Road death count already tops 2006
By SHANNON CRABTREE newsdesk@leader-news.com

L-N File Photo Take Care Basic strategies can lower your chances of being involved in a fatal acccident, such as this one that killed two people near Hillje in February.

Ten people have died on Wharton County roadways so far this year - four in cases where alcohol may have played a factor and three where speed too fast for conditions appeared to have a role.

Eight people died in 2006 while 13 people lost their lives on Wharton County roadways in 2005 - the same total as in 2004.

In two cases this year, two people died of injuries sustained in the same crash - a Feb. 20 rollover wreck near Hillje and a Aug. 12 collision on Hwy. 71 about 4.6 miles north of El Campo.

Only two months so far this year have been fatality-free: March and June.

August and February were the deadliest with three fatalities each.

In the last five years (2006- 2002), 64 people (drivers, passengers or pedestrians) have died on Wharton County roadways.

Statistically, June has proven to be the safest month for Wharton County motorists, with only one reported fatality in the last five years.

That's followed by January through April and September in which just four have died each month.

October is the deadliest with 10 killed during that month over the past five years. August follows as the second most hazardous with eight dead in the past five years.

The 64 dead in the last five years is a grisly total which is actually declining in our area. The same statistic reported last year hit 70.

Many accidents are the result of either excessive speed or alcohol.

Sometimes people are driving too fast, over the speed limit, but sometimes it's just too fast for conditions even though they are not exceeding the posted limits. Going 70 mph in a thick fog or heavy rain is something they shouldn't be doing.

Cell phones are great, but can easily distract a driver if used without a hands-free device.

Simply being tired can have a deadly consequence.

For people who fall asleep behind the wheel, there's an 87 percent chance of being killed, according to national highway data.

Whatever kind of car you drive, some basic safety strategies can help keep you out of harm's way when you're on the road

• Find a good driving position. Adjust the head restraint so it's directly behind but not touching. Hold the wheel symmetrically, at about 3 and 9 o'clock, so you can steer left or right quickly and precisely. If you drape your arm over the top of the wheel, the air bag can break your arm or push it into your face if it deploys.

• Go with the flow. Keep up with traffic if conditions permit.

• Be a loner. Avoid clumps of cars so you're not involved in someone else's accident.

• Keep track of traffic. Look far down the road and keep your eyes moving to spot any problems before you reach them. Check your mirrors frequently.

• Don't be a left-lane hog.

• Signal! Signal lane changes as well as turns - that's what the blinkers are for.

• Protect your night vision. Don't stare at approaching headlights.

• Don't drive when you're sleepy. If your eyes tend to stay focused on one spot, that's a danger sign. Pull over as soon as you find a safe place.

• Always wear a seat belt and make sure children are in their car seats or a shoulder belt if older.