‘No U-Turn’ signs to address safety concerns downtown

“No U-Turn” signs will be going into place on Lake Avenue in downtown Storm Lake this week.

While U-turns have already been prohibited by city ordinance, the signage is intended to help address traffic safety concerns in the area.

“The issue was one we have been hearing from downtown businesses as we’ve done door-to-door surveys,’ Police Chief Chris Cole explained. “Many times drivers are making U-turns to get to a parking spot on the opposite side of the street. When a driver is crossing those lanes, other motorists who may be backing out of parking spaces are not going to be aware of a vehicle coming at them from that direction. Over the years there have been accidents and near-misses.”

Enforcing U-turn policy can also be difficult for police, as a police vehicle may also be forced to do a U-turn to make a traffic stop on the offending vehicle.

“We know it’s a safety issue, and we hope that having signs in place will serve as a good reminder to drivers,” Chief Cole said.