Have you ever dreamed of climbing into a race car, slipping on a helmet and giving it your all? Look no further, we seem to have our very own speedway right here in our backyard. Though the speed limit is clearly posted not once, not twice, but three times at either 35 or 45 M.P.H., those traveling on Crane Valley Road (426) seem not to notice. Don't slow to admire the majestic historical 'Hangtree' for fear the car behind you is practicing for the Audubon.

Exiting my dentists office not long ago, I found the simple act of pulling from the parking lot on 426 be a detriment to my health. After numerous attempts, I bit the bullet, gunned it as soon as the coast was clear and braced for impact. Peering into my rearview mirror I watched to my amazement, the encroaching minivan appearing out of nowhere, slamming on their breaks so as not to take out their front end on my tow hitch. The lovely waving of the well known singular finger accompanied by explicit words flying from the driver's mouth left me shaken, and frankly a bit perturbed.

I had done nothing to merit such vulgarity. There is a clear 1/8 mile view from that driveway up 426 -- if they had been traveling the posted speed limit it would have been impossible for me not to see them. And yet, I was the one receiving the raw end of their objectionable behavior.

I thought it was just me -- maybe my age was setting in and I was becoming more like my grandmother. That was until I heard chatter among others in town expressing their personal experiences with the disturbingly reckless velocity of which traffic travels along this road. What ever happened to reverence for the law, and respect for those who live along 426?

Seeing the carnage on a regular basis I have to wonder if more deer are slaughtered on this roadway than all those taken in the D7 hunting area during one buck season. Let alone those poor little creatures trying to cross the street left for the vultures to feast on. I am sure many a house cat have sadly expended their nine lives along this thoroughfare as well.

I realize there are those who come from areas in which drivers take posted speeds as mere 'suggestion' that may be rolling their eyes as they read this. But, Dorothy your not in Kansas anymore. Have some regard for those of us who uphold the posted speed, having just as many errands to run in the same allotted 24 hour days in which you do.

We have the right to travel the local roads without being run down. Though I am positive a significant number these wanna-be racers pushing the petal to the metal are home grown as well, even possibly second generation speed demons.

Respectively we all need to read the signs and adhere. What will it take for this to sink in, losing one of our own? Maybe the installation of a monstrous speed bumps, or yet another four way stop sign would drive the point home? The thought of any of these turns my stomach.

The answer is glaringly obvious really. Leave a few minutes earlier, give yourself more lead time, take five if you've had a argument prior to getting behind the wheel. Road rage isn't any more acceptable a public act than driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. And if it is simply the urgency to fulfill the 'need for speed' that has you taking Hangman corner on two wheels, Madera Speedway is just a hop, skip and jump away. And you can drive 55 M.P.H. all the way to the speedway.