A highly unusual and confusing piece of action taken by the Michigan legislature in 2006 made a law regarding residential 25 miles-per-hour signs nonexistent.

Due to this nonexistent, unenforceable law, some neighborhoods in Michigan — including Dewey Lake and Eagle Lake — had their speed limit signs yanked, with no replacements installed. This defaults all roads to 55 mph.

Although this may be one of the dumbest ideas devised by our lawmakers, it’s not the fault of those who have to enforce it, namely the Michigan State Police and the Cass County Road Commission.

Sgt. Jim Campbell of the MSP spoke to a full house at Silver Creek Township Hall this week. He explained that a speed study will be conducted and limits will be determined; however, he will have to do all of it himself.

This is an enormous task, and Campbell was unfairly ridiculed for something he is just doing as part of his job — one he’s been doing for 14 years. How and when the speed limits are determined is the result of years of assessment in traffic safety.

Panicking and promoting fear in the community will not solve this problem. The MSP and other law enforcement do the best they can with the limited resources and funding they have.

The best solution is to drive safely and encourage others to do so as well. Educate children about traffic safety and take care when walking on roads.

This editorial represents the views of the editorial board.