Editor:

I’m writing this letter because of the very dangerous traffic on Highway 202 between Refugio and Beeville. I’ve lived on this highway for one year and have seen a dramatic increase of 18-wheelers and other drivers who drive well in excess of the speed limits both in Bee and Refugio Counties.

Many times drivers are ‘speeding’ east towards Refugio and will drive right up behind a person to the point of not being able to see their license plates. They think nothing of passing on curves, in a dip in the highway (at the Bee/Refugio County Line) or the double yellow lines on and near bridges and curves. When some of the big trucks reach Refugio, they turn towards Victoria either at the light or through the parking lot at the Burger King. Are they avoiding the drive through Refugio? This also includes company pickup trucks, people going and coming from schools, and work and others. Because I travel the Blanconia to Refugio area regularly, I see it more in this span of roadway. But, it still happens between Blanconia and Beeville, too.

Highway 202 is a speedway, not a highway. Very rarely have I seen Bee or Refugio County Sheriff’s vehicles patrolling this route. I have seen Highway Patrol vehicles on occasion. It’s not just occurring in the daytime hours or work hours. This goes on all times of the day and night.

I realize that people have the right to drive on whatever highway or county or farm road they chose. I respect that. Not only am I concerned, though, for my safety, but for those who travel these areas because they live on the highway and eventually will turn somewhere to go to their homes. Something very bad is going to happen. I was told when I moved back to Refugio three years ago that Highway 202 was a very dangerous highway to travel. This is affirmed by the crosses marking the areas of tragic deaths along this thoroughfare. Just since I’ve lived out there, there have been four wrecks that I know of between my residence and Refugio. One was on Thanksgiving Day right in front of my house!

I haven’t even mentioned the safety hazards concerning deer and wild hogs on and beside the highway. Just this morning, three hogs had been killed on the highway near the Fairground Road. Driving fast plus these animal hazards are a sure sign of disasters waiting to happen to someone who encounters them and or to other drivers as well.

Footnote: During the writing of this letter, I left a message for the Refugio County Sheriff to return my call on Monday. He returned my call within thirty minutes and has assured me of increased patrol by his deputies on Highway 202. He also said he was going to ask the Highway Patrol to join his deputies to make this highway a safer drive for those who occasionally use it, or those who must use it to go to work, school or otherwise. I just hope that it is a constant and not occasional.