On Feb. 26 at 4:45 p.m., I was driving southbound on U.S. Highway 550 near Glacier when a black Kia with New Mexico plates passed by going so fast (120-plus mph), it was difficult to identify the car. I called 911 to report the reckless driving.

Crossing the Hermosa tracks, I saw the road littered with debris and knew instantly the driver had crashed. I prayed that the accident had not involved any friends or loved ones that live nearby. I called 911 again to report that the driver hit the east side of Hermosa Bridge, then spun four to five times until the vehicle came to rest on the west side of the road in front of the Speedway.

Miraculously, no other vehicles were involved.

Arriving at the scene, I find the driver standing by his car with a clearly visible case of margaritas in the back seat and not a scratch. Driving under the influence? Despite calling in the reckless driver 10 minutes prior, then calling again from the scene, it took La Plata County Sheriff’s deputies 10 to 15 minutes to arrive.

Locals often jokingly refer to the “Purgatory 500” coming down the mountain, but it is getting worse. I am disappointed that it took so long for law enforcement to arrive and there is no reporting of this incident in The Durango Herald. Please, increase traffic patrols on Hwy 550 from Purgatory to town before an innocent person is killed.

We love our visitors but not those that endanger the residents.

James Goodman

Durango