TELL US: Are Speed Limits Too High in Marlboro?

BobbyC March 30, 2012 at 01:01 pm

There is no regard for speed limits anywhere in Marlboro. It's infuriating! The main artery roads seem to be the worst because no one regards them as "their neighborhood"; they're simply the road they need to travel in order to get to their neighborhood. Even then, once people are close to home, they still whip through the streets as though it's nothing to think about. Tennent Rd, Texas Rd, Wooleytown Rd, Lloyd Rd, Harbor Rd--Rt. 79--take your pick! Drive the speed limit on any of these, and there's always someone right on your tail, and many times, THEY HAVE THE NERVE TO BLOW THE HORN OR FLASH THEIR LIGHTS BECAUSE YOU'RE DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT!
People view this as a victimless crime, that is, until a serious accident occurs. No one seems to view the major/connecting streets as their neighborhood. But the truth is, all of it's our neighborhood! When someone is killed or perhaps involved in a serious accident, suddenly then it's different, and it never seems to be that person's fault. We've heard all the excuses: "...the sun was in my eyes, the deer just suddenly appeared, I had to get home to the kids, it was as important phone call…" Please. Judge Judy said it best: "Does it say stupid here???" SHAME ON YOU MARLBORO, THIS IS YOUR TOWN! If you live here and claim to love the "country-suburban" atmosphere, it's time to respect it.

Shari March 30, 2012 at 01:21 pm

I completely agree with Bobby. One of the worst roads where the speech limit is disregarded is School Road, whose speed limit is 25mph. It is there where you will always get an idiot on your tail if you don't go faster than the 25mph. I for one do not choose to break the speed limit and these tail-gaters create very hazardous conditions. I wish there would be more police presence there in VARIOUS LOCATIONS on School Road instead of a police car sitting in the fire station parking lot at the intersection of School Rd & Rt 79.

Kenneth Scuorzo March 30, 2012 at 01:27 pm

The speed limits are fine the way they are. Stepping up enforcement of the speed limit in the most violated areas is a more effective corrective measure. Dropping the speed limit means little to a cell phone distracted impatient driver.

Michael Mirkin March 30, 2012 at 06:19 pm

I think that Mr. Gonzalez and other Union Hill residents failed to understand is that they have purchased a house (or renting what ever the case may be), on major connection artery, between two major thoroughfares, and should have realized this before purchasing or renting. Changing the speed limit just because folks on this street don't have enough time to pull and out of their driveways is ridiculous. Maybe they should stop taking their sweet little time in doing so. How many times someone pulls out of the driveway and goes 5mph like they own the road instead of accelerating to the posted speed limit. Folks, speed limits are there for a reason and should be obeyed prudently. However understand that lowering of speed limits will not alleviate traffic, congestion, or speeding. If someone wants to speed they will do so @65mph or @25mph. You also have to be realistic in that additional police presence will only be a temporary solution. Folks will slow down when they know that a street or an area is under targeted enforcement, and once that is no longer a priority they will back to business as usual. If you want a real change LETS STOP BUILDING IN MONMOUTH COUNTY! Less people =less congestion, less traffic, less speeding. So start petitioning the zoning board to put a moratorium on building permits. BTW I have seen more accidents from inattentive driving like taking on a cell phone, smoking, eating, etc (btw where is our PD on this?) than from speeding.

BobbyC March 31, 2012 at 01:00 am

We all live here, and it's time we realize there's certain drawbacks. The main arteries you refer to are still residential areas that need to be respected, and the homes existing on these roads were here long before any of the canned neighborhoods found in Monmouth County. To be so aloof as to think that it's not my problem, and at least I have the sense to not live on a busy street is really revealing.
We all live here, and we all have to learn that there's a limit as to HOW we can drive on our roads. 35 mph doesn't mean 50, and 40 doesn't mean 60. Yet that seems to be the expectation. I haven't seen anyone driving 5 mph, but I do know for a fact that the posted speeds are simply not good enough for most; they expect more. The common mistake anyone makes is expecting to ALWAYS travel the speed limit, and then some on any given road. It's not possible on the Parkway, the Turnpike, or on Route 9, and yet people regard the back roads as being exempt. But people DO HAVE TO SLOW DOWN FOR OTHERS FROM TIME TO TIME, and if they were patient, they would find it's quite possible to regain their pace once someone pulls out of their driveway. [Jeez!] For many, that pace isn't good enough; they expect more. The connecting arteries here in Marlboro are still residential areas, whether you approve of that or not, and the posted speed limits need to be obeyed. So enough with the attitudes, and let's all get home safely.

BobbyC March 31, 2012 at 01:20 am

FYI: I'm a certified instructor of The National Safety Council. I teach defensive driving on a regular basis, and I invite anyone to step up and take the course.

Shari March 31, 2012 at 02:53 am

Well said Bobby! Another example is Ryan Road on the east side of Rt 9. That is a fairly main road, yet the speed limit is 25mph because it goes through a development.
If someone is in such a rush as to have a need to speed, then leave a few minutes earlier to give yourself more time and NOT have the need to speed. SAFETY COMES BEFORE SPEED.

JB April 6, 2012 at 02:00 pm

I've lived on Union Hill Rd for 25 years - Mr Gonzalez should have done his homework prior to purchasing his home....Union Hill Rd is a main street used by many...yes, it is difficult at times to enter and exist our driveway - but it is also a very convenient street to live on - walking distance to shopping and buses. Sometimes you have to take the good and the bad!

jim12 April 9, 2012 at 11:57 pm

I have lived in Marlboro for almost 30 yrs. The main road I live near is a country road with many curves and blind spots. But that still does not stop jerks from speeding through. The speed limit does not need to change, the drivers do. The change is so dramatic. Now the drivers tailgate, pass illegally, and honk because someone is driving the speed limit. Actually the people in general are pushy, impatient and think the world revolves around them. Sad but true. I just never let their bad habits rub off. The best tip is if someone is endangering your life, pull over and let them pass. If it is not possible to pull over then stay calm and turn off as soon as you can. You could record their license plate and make a report. They will leatn their lesson.

Marlboro Mann January 2, 2013 at 03:21 am

Worse than Union Hill, are the morons who use the entrance ramp on 9 North as an acceleration lane instead of an entrance. Additionally, the Township can make tons of cash ticketing those vehicles making illegal lefts on Union Hill because they used the wrong ramp.