By Natalie Cook

October 13, 2006 | HYDE PARK -- Large puddles played a significant role in a motor vehicle accident last week that critically injured a Richmond resident. Concerned residents of the nearby subdivision petitioned the Hyde Park City Council to solve the drainage problem.

The victim of last Thursday's accident, 17, lost control of the vehicle while driving though a puddle which covered the road and was thrown through the windshield, witnesses told North Park's police chief. Her name and current condition have not been released.

Increased traffic flow, over-full retension ponds and insufficient street drainage are factors that make Utah Highway 237 a dangerous entrance to the Meadows Park subdivision. Expansive puddles form when it rains because the road recieves runoff from a larger surrounding area, forcing water to the drains above their intended capacity.

Stacy Hanley represented several concerned residents of Meadows Park Wednesday night in an attempt to have the situation rectified.

"The puddles ice over in the winter and no matter how slow you approach the stop, you just have to hope you don't go slidding." Hanley said.

In response, Mayor Kooyman said he recognizes that fixing the problem is critical and has promised he will look into finding a solution. Because Highway 237 is a state highway, Kooyman must consult both city and state engineers to decide how to best solve the problem.

Kooyman also plans on establishing a safety committee to deal with such issues.

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