Most accidents occur on Bypass 35

State says more than 100 accidents occurred at Bypass intersections in Alvin
By Judy Zavalla

While driving, does it often seem as though you continually encounter flashing lights at the same intersections daily? If that is your belief, there are good reasons to believe that theory.

Even in Alvin, that theory is constantly validated This can also be proven by 2003-2008 information obtained from the Texas Department of Transportation.

The most dangerous intersections in Alvin and Manvel included: Gordon/Bypass 35, Mustang Road/Bypass 35, Jephson/Bypass 35, State Highway 6/Bypass 35, FM 517/Bypass 35 and FM 528/Bypass 35. All of these intersections saw more than 101 accidents during that time period. Other intersections that saw 51-100 accidents included: FM 1128/State Highway 6, State Highway 6/Second Street, South Street/State Highway 35, State Highway 35/Coombs, State Highway 35/Adoue, FM 1462/State Highway 35, Johnson Street/Gordon Street, FM 1462/South Street, State Highway 35/House Street, State Highway 35/Cleveland, Fairway/Bypass 35 and State Highway 6/Tovrea.

In the Alvin/Manvel area, many of the accidents can be attributed to the increased development in both of these cities. This results in an increase of population and vehicles.

According to smart

motorist.com, most accidents can be attributed to four common factors: equipment failure, roadway design, poor roadway maintenance and driver behavior.

Equipment failure includes problems with the vehicle’s braking system, tires and steering/suspension. Regular inspections are very important and can help to detect a potential problem while allowing the driver ample time to seek repair work.

Roadway design can also contribute to accidents. Permanent roadway hazards include merging traffic, school zones and livestock/pedestrian crossings. There are also temporary hazards which include stalled vehicles, traffic jams and animals.

Deer running out into traffic is particularly dangerous in the East Texas and the University of Houston Clear Lake Campus area. Roadway surfaces that result in accidents include the weather conditions, the area where the road surface meets the shoulder of the pavement and the location of the roadway.

Traffic control devices are another element of the roadway design. School crossings, turning lanes and police surveillance cameras momentarily distract drivers from their normal driving routine. Crash barrels, speed bumps and concrete barriers add to driver’s frustration and deviation from the driver’s normal driving pattern. Roadway identification signs help drivers to drive from one location to another location.

Roadway signs include hazard markers, route numbers, mileage estimates and points of interest. While these signs are an aid to drivers, they can also temporarily take the driver’s attention.

All drivers understand the problems associated with weather conditions. Highway maintenance, while necessary, can attribute to an accident. Debris on the roadway, faded road signs, potholes and roadway construction all contribute to making driving conditions much more difficult.

Driver behavior must also be considered when reviewing the causes of accidents. This behavior is often influenced by the use of cell phones, beverages being spilled and drivers determining they are always in the right while operating a vehicle. The speed of the vehicle is also determined by the behavior of the driver. The faster the speed of the automobile, the greater risk of an accident.

The driver’s aggressive behavior may also become a factor and is often difficult to change.

The Automobile Association in Great Britain reported that drivers consider aggressive behavior by other drivers as: aggressive tailgating, lights being flashed at the driver because of another annoyed motorist, aggressive or rude gestures, deliberate obstruction, verbal abuse and physical assault.

According to Alvin Police Department Crime Prevention Officer Ruben Solano, “Defensive driving is not just the name of a driving course.

“It is a state of mind and a method which will help motorists avoid a wreck.” “Drivers need to be prepared and maintain that safety cushion between their car and the car in front of them,” he concluded.