The Crittenden Automotive Library

Another Speeder on U.S. 14

Topics: United States Numbered Highways

Another Speeder on U.S. 14

Gus Philpott
Woodstock Advocate
August 2, 2008

This driver from Texas just couldn't wait to pass me this morning on U.S. 14. You know the high accident rate stretch between Crystal Lake and Woodstock?

Coming out of Crystal Lake the speed limit is 35MPH to Ridgefield Road South. Just west of the traffic light at Ridgefield Road South, the speed limit changes to 40MPH (although you wouldn't know it, because the 40MPH sign was knocked down and hasn't been put back up, in spite of calls to IDOT). Then it becomes 50MPH well before you get to MCC.

This idiot was following me closely in the 40MPH zone and then in the 50MPH zone. When there was a break in oncoming traffic, he zoomed around me and took off. Saved a lot of time, too, because he didn't take him long to catch up with the next westbound car, and there he stayed 'til we got to Culver's.

And then he got a red light by Farm & Fleet, which gave me the opportunity to get this picture of his Texas license plate: JRC 771.

Is the speed limit ever enforced on U.S. 14? In 12 years I don't think I've ever seen a patrol car from any jurisdiction stopped with what could be a traffic violator. I have read the police reports in the Northwest Herald and a few of the Woodstock officers do write tickets on U.S. 14. Thank you!

© 2008 GUS PHILPOTT