More Accidents on Multi-Lane Roads in Midland County
By: Marianne Elisak
Updated: January 15, 2013
MIDLAND---In the past week there have been at least three major accidents on TX Highway 349 in Midland County.
Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) Public Information Officer, Gene Powell says that the reason for more traffic accidents is that there are more people on the road these days.
"Our traffic count is much higher than it was in years past, we've got a lot of people moving into town to work in the oil fields" says Powell "we know we had more fatal wrecks in 2012 than we did in 2011".
Powell says that the growth in the Permian Basin is a "double edged sword" because although there are more jobs, it comes with an increase in traffic and more vehicles on the road.
"People really need to be driving defensively and protecting themselves" says Powell.
With the start of the new year and already a few major wrecks, including fatalities, drivers need to be patient and "not take chances".
Powell says to be aware of the following especially when driving on a multi-lane road:
- Be aware of 'No Passing Zones'
- Look out 10-15 seconds ahead of the road to know what's coming up
- Be aware of any oncoming traffic
- Limit distractions (no texting and driving, or taking your eyes off the road)
