State highway foreman unfairly blamed in fatal accident

To the Editor:

For years we have enjoyed visiting the Troy and Libby area all times of the year. Aside from the beautiful environment, and peaceful change from pace of the city, we have also enjoyed the superb roads and have been impressed with the well kept conditions of U.S. Highway 2.

We have traveled often along Highway 2 with never an issue for over 12 years. And we are confident the highway department worked long before the accident to improve the conditions of the roads.

As many jobs in the service industry, caring for our roads and keeping them clear and as safe as possible, in spite of the weather conditions, has got to be a thankless job. The road crews are out in the middle of the night, while we are snug in our beds, preparing the roads for our morning commute. They are continually on-call to address any road hazard and take care of issues we never know. It is a job that goes completely unnoticed until it is necessary to block traffic and then we are impatient and unthankful.

The highway department, police department, fire department and all public servants can only do so much to assure our safety. Ultimately we are each responsible for our own well-being.

The accident and death of Jamie Lanham is regretful and our hearts go out to her family and friends. It is human nature to point fingers in blame at times of tragedy. In this case we feel Mr. Robertson's accusations are ill placed.

Montana highway department and "road boss," thank you for making it possible for us to visit your lovely area and for assuring us a safe passageway.

Paul and Lori Barach

Spokane