Fountain Hills is connected to the north by a curving, dipping, once peaceful stretch of lonely highway marked as McDowell Mountain Road.

During recent years this piece of blacktop has become the shortcut of choice for those wishing to forego the arduous trek of 101, 202, or Shea Blvd., reaching for the far east side; along with individuals who travel between the Verdes and Fountain Hills in search of food, drink and gasoline.

The result has conjured up a very lethal driving behavior, creating a highway used as a speedway. The posted speed limit is 45 mph, ignored by most.

What is extremely worrisome is the degree of disregard for safety as a replacement for poor planning. This road is eight miles long; at most consumes 10 to 12 minutes of time even when the procession is regulated by a law-abiding driver obeying the posted limit.

That, of course, is where the rub comes in. As people are seated behind the wheel of an SUV, pickup, or low slung-over horse-powered sedan, they just can’t take it. The craving kicks in and they must pass regardless of the consequences.

Traveling at excessive speeds on this road should be taken seriously; passing multiple vehicles at one time brings the wannabe NASCAR drivers into very precarious waters.

I am certain the MCSO has budget and priority restrictions which leave this road rarely patrolled. Let’s hope the wakeup call is not another highway tragedy.