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April 8, 2007

Roads to heat up with traffic

Warm weather increases motorists, likelihood of accidents

By Amelia A. Pridemore

Sunny weather and warm temperatures bring out motorists in droves — and police say many of them are crashing into each other.

While this is often overwhelming for police and the public, local authorities have long accepted this as a sign of the (spring)times.

During the first week of April as temperatures soared, traffic increased — with several drivers not paying attention to the roads, said Capt. Tomi Peck, supervisor of field operations for the Beckley Police Department. City police investigated 10 accidents each during two warm afternoons last week. This trend will likely increase as temperatures do the same.

“For us, large amounts of traffic accidents and pretty weather have gone hand-in-hand,” she said. “We are used to it. We have grown to expect that.

“... People need to be cautious.”

Distracted driving has become an increasing concern as police patrol the roadways. Peck said distractions for drivers run the gamut — such as needing to control children or wanting to work a CD player. The worst distraction she has recently seen is cell phones.

“Some people will have the nerve to continue to talk on their cell phones as an officer is standing there asking for a driver’s license and registration,” she said.

Statistics are difficult to compile on any type of driver distraction causing accidents, Peck said, because most drivers will not admit to doing anything but driving when questioned by police. If there are no witnesses, there is nothing police can do.

Warm weather brings out its own unique concerns besides more vehicles on the road and distracted drivers.

In heavy traffic, people often become impatient — every year, Peck said, warm weather increases road rage incidents.. The reason could be having to be in the heat for long periods of time — particularly in cars without working air conditioners.

“They may just snap if the traffic is not moving, or someone is not doing things the way they think they should be,” she reasoned.

“... Just be patient,” she said. “Leave with plenty of time to get to your appointments or to work so you won’t have to rush.”

More motorcyclists are on the roads during warmer weather, and injuries in a motorcycle accident are generally more severe than others. Peck encouraged other drivers to especially use caution while around motorcycles, particularly when traveling behind the bikes and when motorcycles are pulling out at intersections.

Pedestrians are often walking about, too. When available, Peck said they should always use crosswalks.

“If there is no crosswalk, then just do as you did when you were a child — look both ways before crossing the street,” she said.

Peck urged all pedestrians to never, ever wear dark clothing — especially when crossing streets at night. If someone must cross a high-traffic roadway, such as Robert C. Byrd Drive, she said no one should cross half the lanes, then stand in the turning lane while other traffic passes. A motorist may not see a pedestrian standing in the turning lane and strike the pedestrian.

Also, Peck noted that driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or prescription medication is completely unacceptable.

— E-mail:

apridemore@register-herald.com

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