Editorial

                Route 663, in particular the stretch of road that connects Pennsburg and Quakertown, has claimed too many victims.  With six traffic lights to control the major intersections and wide roadways and shoulders to help drivers safely navigate the six-mile journey, you might think that it is one of the safest roads in our area.  But it isn’t.

                Before the new road was constructed more than three decades ago, Route 663 used to wind through the hills and valleys of Upper Hanover and Milford townships on what is known today as Quakertown Road, Sleepy Hollow Road, Spinnerstown Road and Milford Square Pike.  It was a bumpy ride on a narrow road with unforgiving shoulders.  The only traffic light was at the Pennsylvania Turnpike interchange.

                Then the road improvements came and getting from Montgomery County to Bucks County was a breeze.  What happened? 

                Yes, the road becomes somewhat crowded when you approach the square in Pennsburg or cross the turnpike in Milford Township.  But, most of the time that congestion is confined to “rush hours” and peak travel times.  What about the rest of the time?

                So far in 2010 there have been dozens of accidents on the seemingly easy-to-travel road, resulting in more than four-score injuries.  Route 663 has claimed two deaths over the last two months.  In the last week there were four accidents between Pennsburg and Quakertown that injured a dozen people and claimed the life of another.

                The incidents are spread across the six-mile stretch.  Some accidents occurred at intersections, some at curves and some on straight stretches of road.  The drivers of the vehicles involved spanned different age groups and both sexes.  The accidents happened at different times of the day and night.  Where are the similarities?

                Last Friday, the Pennsylvania State Police conducted a traffic enforcement detail on a section of Route 663 between Pennsburg and Quakertown and issued 40 traffic citations, towed one vehicle because the owner didn’t have insurance and cited two drivers for driving while their operator’s licenses were suspended.  They did this over a period of just four hours!  It was their second all-out enforcement detail on Route 663 in the last month.

                The Pennsylvania State Police also conducted two Driving Under the Influence checkpoints on the Pennsburg to Quakertown road over the last two months, taking several suspected drunk drivers off the highway.

                The traffic lights work, the speed limit and other signs are in place and the laws are being enforced.  Why is this seemingly tame stretch of road turn into a nightmare with such regularity?  If it’s not the fault of the road, then perhaps it’s us - the drivers.

                Some claim that driving is privilege, but it is also a responsibility.  Drive responsibly, obey the speed limit, stay in the marked lanes and off the shoulder, yield to merging traffic, keep your mind on the road and stay alert.

                The laws and courtesies apply on all of the roads, all of the time. But for those who travel Route 663, respect that stretch between Pennsburg and Quakertown.  It has already claimed too many victims.

                The Upper Perkiomen Valley region is full of compassionate, caring people.  People willing to roll up their sleeves and help others when the need arises.

                This newspaper is proud to know Bob, Rosie, Vince and all the others at Vince N Friends Restaurant and Bar in Upper Hanover Township and we are inspired by their support of Gary Lester Keller in his battle with Rhabdomyosarcoma.

                Below is their note about a recent fundraising event they held for Gary and a special  “Thank You” to those who helped:

                Vince N Friends Restaurant and Bar wishes to thank everyone who helped us raise over $3,100 for 18-year-old Gary Lester Keller on Monday, June 28. Gary left CHOP on Monday and, at his request, his dad brought him directly to Vince N Friends so Gary could personally thank everyone for helping him. Gary had to fight back tears when he learned how much money was raised. Thank you to the following businesses and people for their donations:

                Vince N Friends Dart League, Natural Wellness Formulas, Denise's Salon, Redners, Red Hill Greenhouse, YMCA, Professional Pharmacy, New Dawn Deli, Valley Star Gifts, Dairy Queen, Valley Beverage, Weis Markets, AMPA Dollar Store, Pennsburg Diner, Dentmasters, Rita’s Water Ice, CR Dampman, Gardner’s Candies, Stars Restaurant, Good Things, East Greenville Flowers, Blommers Chocolate, Alternative Hair, Pet Valu, Caribbean Hot Spot, Super Cuts, Greenville Cleaners, Walmart, Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins, D&K Auto, Upper Perk Physical Therapy, Wendy Koffel, Frank and Phyllis Buza, Tarra Duffy, Amy and John Poulson, Mark and Janet Walther, Laura Walther, Jayne and Brandon Reed, Linda and Ed Davidheiser, Jenni and Nate Wolfe, Bob and Rosie Seville, Barbara Osbourne, J. Ronald and Kim Miklos, Glenn and Besty Hammill, Curt Noack, Melinda Phillips, Sharon Ross, Carmen Beagle, Kathy Kulp, Johns and Butler Family, Linda Mack, Rick Bickhart, Stacey Foster, Bernie Frey, Jennifer Strobel, Lucas Buck, Elizabeth Miller, Jim Robinson and Kelly Umberger, Tom Reeves, Judy Nace, the anonymous man who gave $100 in cash, anyone we may have accidently missed and to EVERYONE who came out and donated cash or merchandise to help Gary in his time of need...

                A special thank you to Wendy Koffel for going to most of the above businesses and collecting donations.

                To all who quietly work for the good of their community and the people within it, we quote Pennsburg native and world peace advocate The Rev. Dr. Frank N. D. Buchman when he said, “though your names may not appear on earth’s scroll of fame, may they appear on heaven’s roll of honor.”