Voice of the people: Driving without GPS may get you where you are going faster

The Ledger
·2 min read
Looking south on Cypress Gardens Boulevard at from Overlook Drive in Winter Haven. After hearing complaints from the city and area residents, the Florida Department of Transportation is considering a roundabout at the intersection to help alleviate traffic congestion and speeding.
Looking south on Cypress Gardens Boulevard at from Overlook Drive in Winter Haven. After hearing complaints from the city and area residents, the Florida Department of Transportation is considering a roundabout at the intersection to help alleviate traffic congestion and speeding.

Driving without GPS may get you where you are going faster

Terry Parker's letter about the heavy, backed up traffic on Edgewood Drive seemed to indicate that the best other option would be lower tolls on the Polk Parkway ["Edgewood Drive traffic clogged," Dec. 21]. There are other options to go east and west between Bartow Road and Florida Avenue. One thing I learned about Lakeland a long time ago is: there is always a work around and another way.

First thing is put away your GPS and get acquainted with your city once again. For those who have never driven without GPS, try it, learn street names, directions and landmarks. I live four blocks from Edgewood but there are certain times of the day that I won't go near it because of the traffic. The eventual location I am heading for determines which route I take.

GPS is not always your friend. My street is a 22-foot-wide, strictly residential, brick street. GPS is sending 40- and 60-foot tractor trailers onto it as well as other commercial and non-commercial vehicles, in spite of the signs saying no trucks and a 25 mph speed limit. There are times when I can't get out of my driveway because the traffic is backed up on my street since the wait is so long on Edgewood. Welcome to the world of GPS.

Dee Howard, Lakeland

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This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Voice of the people: Driving without GPS may get you where you are going faster