The chart above, based on data from the Texas Department of Transportation, shows that the number of traffic accidents that happen in Karnes County is continuing to rise. 2012 saw a 34 percent increase in the total number of traffic accidents.
In response to a request from The Karnes Countywide, the report indicates that the total number of crashes for the year 2012 was 411, an increase of 34 percent over the total amount recorded in 2011, which was 306 crashes.
Between the years 2011 and 2012, fatal crashes in Karnes County increased from four to 10. Fatalities increased from five to 13, the number of incapacitating crashes increased from 11 to 26 and the number of incapacitating injuries increased from 22 to 44.
Kenedy Police Chief Duane DuBose said that over the past year, the total number of traffic accidents in the City of Kenedy has roughly doubled.
DuBose said that there are many factors that have led to a situation where local roadways are less safe than they once were.
The speed of traffic, driver impatience and driver inattention all contribute to many accidents that his department and other local law enforcement agencies investigate.
“Everybody needs to get somewhere and they need to get there now,” DuBose said. “That causes a problem. You have people who live here, commuters, people that are coming through who are looking for addresses and may not know really know where they are going. Everybody is either on the phone or trying to adjust this or do that in the vehicles and they are not paying attention to what they are doing.
DuBose had some advice for all drivers who use the Karnes County streets, roads and highways.
“Leave early,” DuBose said. “Know where you are going, if you can. Don’t try to be somewhere in ten minutes. Give yourself enough time and don’t get in a rush.”
Most importantly, DuBose recommends all drivers pay close attention and stay focused on the task of safely driving the vehicle.
“When you are driving, pay attention to what you are doing,” DuBose said. “I know it is tough, but put the phone down. Even if you have the hands free devices, when you are talking on the phone with somebody, you are still thinking about what you are saying to them, you are thinking about everything else. Eliminate that – tell them that you will call back when you get to wherever you are getting. Just drive and pay attention to everything going on around you.”
There are a lot of freshly hired, inexperienced drivers on the road working long hours, and the combination of both leads to problems.
How about a story on this side of the issue? Some may find it informative.