Poulos family’s actions led to safer Highway 37

I read the annual Marin

Voice commentary by Kelly Poulos (“Especially now, memory of Poulos triggers feelings of loss, hope,” Jan. 10). I’ve read nearly every one of her “Remember Frankie” columns over the years. They always make me weep.

As a kid living in Marin, I was terrified of Highway 37. Even as a child, my mind could tell it was dangerous. That fear did not change. As an adult passenger (I couldn’t bear to drive it myself), I’d close my eyes and pray as the oncoming headlights flickered. Passing cars added more anxiety. Close calls were common.

When our daughter was born in 1994, after Kelly’s son Frankie Poulos had died, and during a significant increase in fatal head-ons, I was resolute she would not go near “Blood Alley.” I could not expose her to such risk. We took the long way around to see family.

I was elated by Jim Poulos’ barrier win in 1995. I felt that Frankie’s father stood up for the right thing against powerful local and regional entities. I can still remember the feelings of profound relief and gratitude as our family crossed on Highway 37 for the first time with the new barrier in place. Those positive feelings have not changed. So many lives were saved as head-on collisions ceased.

Kelly has kept her son’s name alive in the IJ, so I feel a personal connection to his story. Frankie is a local hero to me, because of the good done in his name. I developed a habit of invoking him every time I drive independently across Highway 37: Thank you, Frankie.