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New Security Systems For ECISD
Friday Weather Update
Sunny And Hot Conditions Continue 5/17/13
Sunny skies and hot temperatures are expected through much of the weekend. Record heat is possible today.
Sunny skies and hot temperatures are expected through much of the weekend. Record heat is possible today.
Fatal Wrecks Bring Road Safety Into The Spotlight 08/07/12
CBS 7 News
Robert Guaderrama
rguaderrama@cbs7.com
August 7, 2012
West Texas - West Texans are speaking out after a number of wrecks bring driving safety into the spotlight. Traffic officials say we the drivers are to blame, they tell me we are much too distracted on the roads, that combined with increased traffic is brewing a remedy for disaster. These fatal crash scenes are becoming a common sight around west Texas.
"I have two little ones and I’m terrified to put them in the car because you never know on these roads anymore," said Marisol Espinosa, driver.
TxDOT officials say they are seeing more fatal wrecks than years past.
"More traffic, more people, people texting all contribute to the problem," said Gene Powell, Public Information Officer, Odessa TxDOT.
Drivers we spoke to tell us they think more patrol units and reduced speed limits could solve the problem, but Gene Powell with TxDOT says that won't prevent bad driving.
"The things we see consistently is failure to control speed and distracted driving," said Powell.
Powell says every driver needs to take their safety into their owns hands.
"Be aware, don't get distracted, texting, playing with the radio, yelling at the kids in the back seat," said Powell.
"Watch the road, learn to drive, pay attention and use your peripheral vision," said Chad Dinkins, driver.
"Everyone needs to keep an eye on their surroundings, follow the speed limit, stop texting, it's so easy, it's not worth your life or someone else’s," said Espinosa.
TxDOT wants to remind drivers that defensive driving is the key to your safety. If you see someone driving erratically, the best thing to do is stay far away from them.