Dirt roads cause many problems within a neighborhood. The dust and debris not only causes health issues such as difficulty breathing, but they also cause homes and vehicles to be filled with dust. When dust gets to an engine in a vehicle, it can degrade an air filter and drop the mileage as much as 10 percent.
Then there is the cost of the upkeep of the dirt roads due to the fact that some of the road washes away every time it rains or snows. This creates a tremendous hassle for the workers who have to fix the roads all the time. Also, the washboards that are created on the dirt roads can cause vehicle to vibrate and actually turn sideways, potentially creating a large hazard for oncoming traffic.
Therefore, the dirt roads in neighborhoods with high traffic such as Forest Lakes should be paved. This would minimize dust and debris, allowing both people and vehicles to breathe easier. It would also cost less in the long run because instead of fixing the roads once or twice a month, they could be fixed every 10 years or so. Finally, it would minimize the risk of an accident due to washboards and large bumps in the roads.
David White
Bayfield
