Re: “$8M Malahat upgrade not enough, critics say,” Jan. 13.

It was disappointing to read that of the numerous upgrades planned for the Malahat Highway, none include replacing the reflectors on the road that can greatly help to guide drivers into and out of bends safely. Virtually all of them are weathered to the point of being useless or nearly so.

As a result, during challenging driving conditions, such as at night when it’s rainy or foggy, under- and over-steering going into and coming out of a bend which then requires a fast and risky correction is probably more common than highway officials know, especially involving those unfamiliar with the road or amongst inexperienced drivers.

While installing overhead lighting at some sections will help, under rainy conditions this, along with light from oncoming vehicles, is likely to add to glaring conditions.

It’s my hope that the transportation ministry will re-assess its safety improvement priorities for the Malahat and immediately the road reflectors there.

Safety and other benefits likely far outweigh this relatively low-cost measure.

Kevin Ward

Victoria

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