Nine Killed in Recent Wrecks; Community Reacts to Tragedy on the Roads
By: Homa Bash
Updated: January 30, 2013
Six separate wrecks, five tragic days and nine lost lives.
"It just breaks your heart," Pam Dickson, of Hawley, said on Wednesday.
"I'm just really scared for all of us, and my family," added Charlotte Hayes.
"It's been kind of a shock to see so many accidents so quickly," said another driver.
For Charlotte Hayes, mother of seven and grandmother of 28, the latest rash of wrecks hits close to home.
"My grandson was in a wreck on Christmas day and I'm so thankful to the Lord everyday that he's okay. It just breaks my heart for these families," she said.
We know the roads can be dangerous -- and as a cross and roses on Hwy. 277 mark a 16-year-old wreck, even deadly.
Blake Burks expresses the sentiments many of us share during these difficult times.
"Why? That's all I can wonder, why is this happening?" Burks said.
While there's no clear answer just yet -- high winds, raised speed limits, and increased distractions could all play a part -- there is one thing many people agree on.
"People need to pay more attention, not text, not talk on the phone," Dickson said.
"People are not paying attention. That's what I always see, almost every day, people on their phones, iPads, laptops," Burks said.
Janay Williams agrees, saying "People don't watch, it can't happen to them, and it usually doesn't happen to them. It happens to people like me and you."
And like Charlotte Hayes said, it does happen, and the effects can last a lifetime.
"I just pray everyone will be careful so we don't have anymore," she said.
"It just breaks your heart," Pam Dickson, of Hawley, said on Wednesday.
"I'm just really scared for all of us, and my family," added Charlotte Hayes.
"It's been kind of a shock to see so many accidents so quickly," said another driver.
For Charlotte Hayes, mother of seven and grandmother of 28, the latest rash of wrecks hits close to home.
"My grandson was in a wreck on Christmas day and I'm so thankful to the Lord everyday that he's okay. It just breaks my heart for these families," she said.
We know the roads can be dangerous -- and as a cross and roses on Hwy. 277 mark a 16-year-old wreck, even deadly.
Blake Burks expresses the sentiments many of us share during these difficult times.
"Why? That's all I can wonder, why is this happening?" Burks said.
While there's no clear answer just yet -- high winds, raised speed limits, and increased distractions could all play a part -- there is one thing many people agree on.
"People need to pay more attention, not text, not talk on the phone," Dickson said.
"People are not paying attention. That's what I always see, almost every day, people on their phones, iPads, laptops," Burks said.
Janay Williams agrees, saying "People don't watch, it can't happen to them, and it usually doesn't happen to them. It happens to people like me and you."
And like Charlotte Hayes said, it does happen, and the effects can last a lifetime.
"I just pray everyone will be careful so we don't have anymore," she said.
Comments
It's very annoying and scary the way some people in Abilene drive. I do make an occasional mistake and I admit it. I consider myself to be a careful, cautious, safe, and defensive driver. I am always watching the other drivers around me, along with pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. It is almost unbelievable the things some of Abilene's drivers do but should not do. For instance: on one-way roads, don't turn left or right from the wrong lane; if you are entering or exiting the highway or interstate, be in the left lane to enter or right lane to exit; don't run stop signs, red lights, or yield signs; don't pull out in front of traffic without yielding to traffic; don't tailgate others; don't pass and move into other lanes of traffic too close in front of others or close to a red light (that is rude and dangerous;) be considerate of other drivers; pay attention at all times while driving; and be safe! I can't count the number of times I have almost been hit by a driver or almost hit a driver because of the way they drive. NL
Nancy N.
January 31, 2013 at 11:53 am
Why must people do such stupid things while driving?? I bet if those who died while texting or talking on the phone while they were driving they would still be alive for sure. Just stupid mistakes people can prevent but they don't America is getting lazy. It makes no sense. I know people who have WATCHED commercials that shows families who lost their loved one because of driving while on the phone and yet, they still do it! Just last week I was riding with my friend and he pulled out his phone and started texting! Really? I snatched his phone and told him he was NOT getting it back until we arrived at our destination. Its just so stupid how people see, but not learn from their mistakes...-N.H
Mike M.
January 30, 2013 at 7:17 pm
