Technology in the last 20-30 years has brought so many advancements and conveniences to our lives it’s diff cult to admit its use can sometime compound problems rather than solve them.
Problems are typically not technology’s fault, as any self-respecting Information Technology person will tell you. Most of the time, the challenges come in the way we use technology, and that’s where clear policies for human decision-making can make all the difference in the world.
The Bentonville City Council recently adopted Boydston referred to as minor changes to department guidelines dictating how drivers of emergency vehicles operate, depending on the type of call they’re working. We’re not so sure we’d agree about how minor the changes are, because one in particular sounds as though it will make the public more safe.
It understandably may be Boydston calls the changes minor so no one will be confused enough to believe the city is acknowledging any fault in the tragic accident in which a 17-year-old girl was struck by a school bus at an intersection Oct. 4. Bentonville police concluded the city’s traffic signal preemption system - which triggers light changes so emergency vehicles have green lights - did not contribute to the accident, although its use was a part of what happened.
The new policy establishes the preemption system is to be “used primarily” on responses for which lights and sirens are activated. An ambulance that triggered the preemption system at the intersection of the Oct. 4 accident was not running with lights and sirens.
The change is a good public policy decision.
Motorists and pedestrians should be able to count on the drivers of emergency vehicles behaving just like any other motorist unless their lights and sirens are on. Unless it’s an emergency, there’s no need for ambulances and fire trucks to be taking over traffic signals. They can sit and wait just like everyone else.
Whether minor or not, Bentonville’s changes are a step toward improved safety for everyone involved.
SPRINGDALE PAVES WITH GOOD INTENTIONS
It’s always impressive when government
follows through on a promise.
OK, we suppose that depends on whether one agrees with what was promised, but in this case, we’re talking about Springdale’s commitment to pave 8.5 miles of dirt roads mostly annexed into the city in 2010.
There are great reasons for landowners to be part of a city, and among them are improvements in the roads that serve residents transportation needs. Beyond fire and police protection and trash service, gaining a higherquality streets has to rank high among residents’ expectations.
The Springdale City Council last week made sure to follow through by agreeing to spend $1.5 million for paving, much of it in the 2,500-acre area annexed.
It’s also good municipal public policy to eliminate gravel or dirt roads whenever it can be accomplished.
The city had to dip into its capital improvement fund to make the project happen around the timeline - two years - the city attempts to follow for annexed lands. That they did is a testament to the city’s desire to treat its new residents well.
Opinion, Pages 5 on 02/21/2013