I consider myself an very safe driver. My Uncle was a Nebraska State Trooper for 30 years. He always said ‘speed kills’ and he’s right. And I never intentionally speed. I’m a Christian. I love everyone, and never want to hurt anyone. Every time I get behind the wheel I’m thinking about the safety of others. I could not live with myself if I was negligent and caused harm or even death to someone else.

But on this particular day, I was on my way back from vacation in an area I was unfamiliar with. My son was my navigator and he was using Google Maps to guide me. I was driving the speed limit. He told me to turn on to what I thought was another highway. But it turns out it was a street about 400 yards long. I saw railroad tracks and a curve ahead, open field on the left, trees and some buildings on the right. It didn’t look like a town, it looked like the highway I just turned off. And I did not see the 30 MPH sign under the first shade tree about 200 yards down road (which I saw later via Google Earth). I was more focused on watching the road and for people/cars/dogs/chickens/etc. and didn’t even think about checking my speed since I knew I’d be going slow over the tracks ahead and wouldn’t come close to exceeding the highway speed limit. As I crossed the railroad tracks I saw lights behind me and I pulled over. The city police officer said he pulled me over for speeding. I was confused. I didn’t even know I was in a town. If someone like me gets a ticket here then I can imagine tons of other folks will as well. And if you’re reading this post, you’re likely one of them.

So don’t feel bad. And if you’re a safe driver, don’t change your driving habits because of this town. If you put more energy into looking for speed limit signs and constantly glancing down at your speedometer than focusing on driving safely, you’re more likely to endanger yourself and others. I was completely focused as I drove down Sherman Street and was ready to stop had anything crossed my path.

I don’t blame the officer who wrote my ticket. I respect and thank anyone willing to wear a badge. I’m sure he’s just doing what he’s been told to do. And I’m sure he desires to keep the citizens of Manderson safe. I’m to blame for going too fast on that street. I did not see the sign. But I could sure use some help.

There are many other small towns in Wyoming that have speed signs that are extremely visible. Some even show your speed and flash if you are going even 1 MPH over. If you speed through these towns, you have no excuse and deserve a ticket.

To the City Council of Manderson.

If you truly care about the safety of your citizens, put visible speed signs on approaches to town. It is not at all obvious to non-locals that South Sherman Street is even part of a town. If a town of 88 people can afford to fund a police force, then I’m sure you can afford one of those flashing speed signs. Those will protect the citizens of Manderson 24 hours a day, not just when an officer happens to be watching. At the very least, move your current sign out from under the shade tree. When traveling on a sunny day, it is difficult to see something in the shade. If you’re not willing to do this, then I feel you care more about funding your police force via out-of-state, involuntary tax payers than the safety of your citizens. You risk criminal charges being brought against you. You will have to live with your unethical behavior. And you will be judged by the highest of all courts when you meet your maker.