GRIMES COUNTY, Texas (KRHD) — Grimes County roads have seen a rise in the number of vehicle crashes in recent months, with a spike in serious and deadly wrecks over the past 4 months.
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Local residents and first responders point to a mix of heavy traffic, distraction, and aggressive driving as key factors behind the trend.
Joseph Reznicek, a local resident, said the volume of large trucks on area roadways has climbed sharply.
"Over the last 2 to 3 months, traffic, heavy traffic being 18-wheelers, uh, gravel haulers, uh, log trucks have increased about 250% on Highway 30," Reznicek said.
Another neighbor who lives off State Highway 105 said too many drivers are distracted, especially during the morning commute.
"In the morning, it's impossible because everybody's coming off of that 2:49 and going up there to 6 and, and they don't stop, they're not looking, they're on their phones," Jennifer Rymer said.
First responders say there are a number of contributing factors in these crashes.
"A lot of it is not paying attention, driving too fast, passing on double yellows and over hills and around curves, uh, and on cell phones," Shiro VFD Chief Dan Sharron said.
"Inattentive driving, distracted driving, speed, we have people who are aggressive drivers," Reznicek said.
Authorities say drivers should plan ahead and take their time.
"Don't think just of yourself; think about the other people that's on the road. They have families, and they have lives also," Sharron said.
Sgt. Justin Ruiz of the Texas Department of Public Safety urged drivers to stay focused behind the wheel.
"November 7th, 2000 was the last deathless day we had on Texas roadways, so we just surpassed 26 years in the state of Texas without having one person not die on our roadways," Ruiz said.
"So do your part, slow down, eliminate the distractions and get from point A to point B as safely as you can, and always be paying attention while you're driving," Ruiz said.
Sgt. Ruiz suggests people utilize apps that reward drivers for not using their phones, letting them earn points for free food and prizes. Some suggested apps include: Safe 2 Save, MyDriveHere, and Mobilio.
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