Slow down, get into 'Beaufort time'

Each summer, hordes of visitors from faster-paced places descend on Beaufort like sand-gnats on a bare forearm. And not being accustomed to "Beaufort time" — that is, either giving themselves a few extra minutes to get to their destination or arrive acceptably late because of a horse and carriage, slow-moving shoppers or the swing bridge — many drivers tend to get impatient.

Too often, they show their impatience and lack of good judgment by speeding through the neighborhood streets.

Speeding has become a problem in the city, and with more and more people visiting and living here, that problem stands to grow worse.

Police Chief Jeff Dowling said his department understandably can't be in all places at all times, but it certainly is doing a decent job of deterring speeders. According to a report in Thursday's Gazette, Dowling said city police have written an average of 115 traffic tickets a week — a number higher than most would have guessed. The department also stations empty squad cars throughout the city, which tends to make drivers tap the brakes and check the speedometer.

But it's not simply the out-of-towners or come-heres who are prone to lead feet; it's the traditional residents, too, who know the shortcuts around the traffic lights, understand the one-ways and can generally figure out the fastest way between two points — areas such as Pigeon Point, the Northwest Quadrant, Mossy Oaks and Battery Creek Road are prime examples.

While no local resident relishes speed traps, just knowing that if you speed in front of Technical College of the Lowcountry or on Old Jericho Road, you probably will be pulled over, therefore your speed remains in check. Most importantly, slowing down keeps us safe — our pets, who tend to wander into the streets, our kids, who share the roads on their bikes, pedestrians and runners, who have few options as far as recreational trails or wide-shouldered roads, and other drivers, trying to get from Point A to Point B safely.

The Beaufort City Council last month allocated additional money for temporary speed displays that show drivers how fast they are going as they ply our city streets. The signs, while they can't "catch" a speeder, can remind us to lighten up on the pedal and help keep our neighborhoods safe. The signs could go up as early as July.

Living in Beaufort time is a blessing and a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of faster-paced cities. And it's one of the intangibles that makes the city great.