Traffic Increase Means More Crashes in Odessa
By: Karl Rundgren
Updated: March 15, 2013
ODESSA -- Along with the oil boom we've seen a big increase in accidents in the area -- but the actual numbers might surprise you.
The Odessa Development Corporation says that in the past year Odessa has seen a 40% increase in accidents -- and a 58% increase in fatal accidents.
The main culprit for these crashes is the massive increase in traffic that we've seen move into the Permian Basin. Similar increases were seen in Midland, and were reported earlier this year.
Now the ODC is going to ask legislators in Austin if we can get additional funding for road improvements and maintenance in Odessa -- to help deal with the spike in traffic.
They also said that people need to drive more cautiously on the roads and understand that we are dealing with a large increase in traffic. That means avoid distracted driving, make room for trucks, and avoid aggressive driving.
The Odessa Development Corporation says that in the past year Odessa has seen a 40% increase in accidents -- and a 58% increase in fatal accidents.
The main culprit for these crashes is the massive increase in traffic that we've seen move into the Permian Basin. Similar increases were seen in Midland, and were reported earlier this year.
Now the ODC is going to ask legislators in Austin if we can get additional funding for road improvements and maintenance in Odessa -- to help deal with the spike in traffic.
They also said that people need to drive more cautiously on the roads and understand that we are dealing with a large increase in traffic. That means avoid distracted driving, make room for trucks, and avoid aggressive driving.
