To the Journal editor:

I commuted between Munising and Marquette for 12 years while the speed limit on M-28 was 55 mph.

In good weather, I usually traveled at 62 mph because I felt safe at that speed and didn’t get pulled over by the state police.

Recently they increased the speed limit to 65 mph. I didn’t think that was a good idea, mainly because of the weather. In the winter, parts of the road could be dry and others could be snow or ice covered so if you are going 65 mph and hit an icy patch, it could have disastrous consequences.

Additionally, in the summer, people like to stop at the turnouts for Lake Superior. The turnouts come up all of sudden and people have to brake quickly to make the turnout.

The other day I encountered another situation which confirmed my belief that 65 mph is too fast for that stretch of road. It was a busy travel day with steady traffic in both directions, generally traveling at 65 mph or above. The person in front of me was only going 64 mph and I decided to stay behind them rather than risking passing.

All of a sudden, the person in front of me put on their brakes and swerved. Then I saw why. There was a flock of baby ducks trying to get across the road. It kills me to even recall the scene. There was someone right on my tail (remember I was going below the speed limit) and it wouldn’t have helped to swerve because by now the ducks were spread all the way across the road.

I slowed down but ended up hitting at least one. I hated it. There was nothing I could do. After I pulled myself together, I resumed my speed at my comfortable 62 mph and didn’t care if people piled up behind me. I was now convinced that 65 mph is too fast for that stretch of road.

It is through a forested region with the lake on one side. Wildlife trek across the road to get to and from the lake. It is their habitat. They don’t have a chance when cars are flying by.

I apologize ahead of time to anyone who gets stuck behind me on M-28 because I will probably be going slower than the speed limit.

Sincerely,

LESLEY WILLI