Ron Ragsdale: Signal desperately needed

This letter is about the terrible accident recently on Highway 59 and Dickenson Ferry Road, where a young woman lost her life. I live about 300 yards from this intersection, and was at the scene within seconds, trying to do what I could to help before the emergency people got there.

While I was trying to direct traffic, most people were considerate, but some were just plain rude, stopping in the road to get a look, yelling at me because they just had to get around the wreck and keep going, which I was not letting anyone do.

The little car was in the southbound lane and there was no safe way around without causing further confusion.

This intersection is one of the most dangerous in this area. And the reason is speed.

A short time ago, a big rig took out part of the PG&E substation and caused power outages all over town.

We have seven or eight serious wrecks here every year. We need a traffic signal. We have tried for years to get something done but to no avail. Maybe now someone will listen.

RON RAGSDALE

Merced