"Exit, Screaming ..." by Fly on the Wall | The Pilot: Southern Pines, NC

Exit, Screaming ...

November 30, 2010

Now that the shopaholics have taken to the roads I am especially terrified of two hotspots: exiting Pinecrest Plaza left onto Morganton Road and exiting all the BiG Box stores on U.S. 15-501 except Walmart and Steinmart, which have traffic lights. I live near Pinecrest Plaza. I am also a survivor of a horrific car crash. The sound of metal on metal fills my ears every time I attempt that manoeuver. On busy days I exit right and turn around at CCNC just to avoid the danger. Admittedly, a traffic light is more important at Knoll Road, because of the school. But something should be done before a few holiday shoppers get splattered across the pavement. At Big Box City, I'll drive from TJMaxx to PetSmart to benefit from the traffic light re-entering 15-501 at Johnson St.
I realize we can't have lights a every corner but one or two more are desperately needed in high-traffic retail areas. Don'tcha think?

listenup 2 years, 5 months ago

I agree! What drives me crazy is the idiots who when driving north on 15-501 just past the intersection of Morganton road, are turning right into Pinecrest Plaza by the Belk entrance, use the shoulder as a turn lane. Dangerous stuff!

People, please...if you see a SOLID yellow or white line, it means do not cross! I can't tell you how many times I have almost been T-boned by some moron riding in that shoulder as I turn right from the actual lane of traffic. They need to put those ribbed concrete cutouts along that shoulder like they have on the traffic circle to make it unpleasant to drive there and to warn people its not a lane!

melzabeth 2 years, 5 months ago

at really busy times I will take a right out of pinecrest plaza onto 15-501 and take a right by the high school just to get away from the traffic. better safe than sorry.

FightFireWithFire 2 years, 4 months ago

[Quote]: What drives me crazy is the idiots who when driving north on 15-501 just past the intersection of Morganton road, are turning right into Pinecrest Plaza by the Belk entrance, use the shoulder as a turn lane. Dangerous stuff! [end quote]

What is dangerous is people not paying attention to what others are doing. I see people constantly on their phone while driving. No one uses a turn signal anymore. That may be considered a "courtesy" in NC, but it should be a law. People have become inconsiderate on the road. In Texas, it is actually okay to use the shoulder to make a right turn, as it gives the vehicles behind you a chance to keep going without the stop and go rubber band effect you get at areas like Pinecrest plaza.

The main issue with drivers here is inattentiveness. People need to stop doing everything except drive when they are in their vehicles. A little courtesy to others on the road doesn't hurt either.