Kanan Road interchange still baffles drivers

I couldn't agree more with Jean Strauss Raffle's view of the westbound 101 Kanan off ramp signal. It's absurd beyond comprehension.

I am not disputing the need for a signal at that location to prevent what the city engineer, among others, have perceived to be a possibly dangerous intersection. My frustration stems from the fact that it is unheard of to post a sign that is virtually invisible and unrecognizable to most motorists and expect positive results. Not a single person I've spoken to has identified this "electronic black box" for what it is, or what it becomes.

The reality is that if a driver is not warned that he may not be able to turn right on red in a language or sign he recognizes, once he determines traffic is clear, he has inched past this "blank" black box and is on his way to take the turn. At times, this turn will be unsafe and illegal.

If the city officials in charge really wanted to prevent an accident from occurring, a simple old-fashioned sign earlier on warning of this upcoming electronic "no turn on red when lit" sign, would alert drivers to follow the law.

I know the city engineer has received lots of good suggestions from citizens on how to improve on the present signal, and I believe it's time all ideas were seriously considered. Ultimately our safety is at stake, since a signal that is not understood is one that will not be respected and therefore will not do the job it was intended to do.

If the city officials are looking to prevent accidents, and not merely appease those who have spoken out in favor of some new measure of traffic control at that location, then they better address this issue. Cynics may argue it offers good revenue to the city since many a driver has been pulled over and cited for an illegal right turn. As a traffic trap it works like a dream.

I would like to believe that those with the power to make changes will admit the present situation is less than perfect and make the necessary changes to really protect us from the dangers that intersection presents.

Cris Carmi Agoura Hills