EDITORIAL: Drivers can reduce risk of tragedy

A fatal wreck in south Dougherty County on Thursday is a sober reminder that motorists need to be on alert, especially when traveling in areas where work is being done near the road or children are crossing as they head to and from school.

At this writing, the details of what happened in the three-vehicle wreck on U.S. Highway 19 South near the Dougherty-Mitchell County line that claimed the life of tractor mower operator Robert Frank Blackledge had not been determined. Whatever the circumstances that caused the tragedy, however, it is a reminder of how quickly tragedy can occur on the roadway. And it should make us think about our responsibilities as drivers.

The fact is that as long as people in cars, trucks and other vehicles travel on highways and streets, wrecks, some of which will result in injury or death, are going to occur. All we, as motorists, can do is remain alert, maintain our vehicles properly and drive as safely as possible, which combine to go a long way toward reducing our chances of becoming either the victim or the cause of a tragic wreck.

On the highways, it’s critical to watch for vehicles and workers near the roadway, especially in construction zones. We’re all in a hurry these days, but as drivers we can’t allow ourselves to be in such a rush that we overlook the need to arrive safely. In recent weeks, we’ve seen what appears to be stepped-up patrols in work areas like the intersection construction on U.S. Highway 82 at County Line Road near Acree. While no one who has received a ticket for speeding in that zone was likely happy about the citation or the fine, troopers and county police very well may have saved a life or two, whether by stopping a wreck before it happened or by impressing upon others who see the pullover as a reminder of the need to slow down. If a driver is more cognizant of his or her surroundings when passing through a construction zone or when coming upon equipment mowing a right-of-way, the enforcement has done its job.

And with school back in session in Dougherty County, starting today in Lee County, and either in session or starting soon in other area communities, it’s especially important for motorists to be alert mornings and evenings, whether in town or in the county. Getting behind a school bus can be frustrating for a motorist as the bus picks up and drops off students, but no arrival time is worth the risk of trying to “get by” one when its caution or stop lights are flashing. It’s also important to take into account school zones when leaving for work or an appointment. That’s going to be even more important as the days get shorter heading into fall and winter.

There are things we can do — many already required by law — to cut down on the chances of wrecks. Move into the other lane on multilane highways when you see workers or vehicles on one side. Stay off the cell phone and don’t text while driving. Keep the speedometer reasonable. Look out for other traffic, and realize the unexpected can happen at any time. There is a risk in life, but we can do things to keep that risk to a minimum.