Will Norton be All Right?

In a recent blog, a fictional character of mine laments about the difficulty of making a left turn in Norton. For me it was an easy thing to write about because I experience it nearly every day.  Crossing over Rt. 123 or Rt. 140 has become a white knuckle adventure.

Here is my countdown of the 5 left turns that most likely strike fear in anyone besides a NASCAR driver or stunt pilot (these are all left turns):

5. The Hess Station on to Rt. 123

4.  Leaving CVS or Aubuchon

3. After soccer, leaving the Middle School

2. Either exit of Roche Brothers on to Rt. 140, especially by the Dunkin Donuts

1. North and South Worcester Street on to Rt. 123, just crazy.

Here is where I see an even bigger problem. Many well intentioned people will try to help things along by either waving people on, or giving them a flash of the headlights, seemingly indicating that it is OK to proceed. Meanwhile, someone coming in the other direction has no intention of slowing down. Even worse, sometimes people behind the good Samaritan will go around the standing vehicle right directly toward the person making the left. At times, it can be sheer chaos. The driver at the stop sign is forced to make a rapid fire decision on whether to stay put and decline the offer or just "go for it".

Increasingly my mother, who has a perfect driving record, will make a series of rights to avoid making a left in Norton. Has it really come to this?

I try to make it a point of not complaining about things unless I can offer a solution. In this case, I have no remedy. My thought is that casting a light on the issue might lead to a creative way making things better down the road instead of "all right".

Any thoughts, opinions, suggestions, or harrowing tales of Norton left turn nightmares are strongly welcomed and encouraged.