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.

Hospital seeks family ...

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Officials at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center are trying to find the family of a man who was critically injured after an incident in Alvin Wednesday evening.


The man was picked up by Life Flight near the intersection of Highway 35 and Mustang Road, according to a statement from Memorial Hermann. The statement did not provide details about how the man was injured.

The man is described as a Caucasian who is believed to be in his late 30's. He has dark hair, hazel eyes and a mustache. His height is approximately 5 feet 5 inches, and he weighs about 147 pounds. He was wearing denim jeans, a Texans cap, a pair of Brazos boots, a T-shirt and a titanium wedding band.

The patient has a tattoo on each upper arm -- one tattoo reads "Kaleb", the other reads "Jacob."
Anyone who believes they have knowledge of this patient is encouraged to contact Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center at 713-704-4000.

Breaking: Fire destroys Houston complex

by khou.com staff
khou.com
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 11:20 AM

HOUSTON—Eight units were completely destroyed and several families were displaced after a two-alarm fire damaged part of a southwest Houston apartment complex Wednesday morning.
Fire officials rushed to the burning apartments on Wilcrest at South Drive around 6:45 a.m.
HFD said they had a slight water pressure issue in the beginning, but managed to quickly get the fire under control. No firefighters were injured and all of the families got out safely.
One child standing outside was checked for smoke inhalation at the scene. He was determined to be OK.

Arson investigators do not know how the fire started at this time.


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AISD seeks naming suggestions for 3 facilities

The Alvin Independent School District Board of Trustees is seeking input from the community on suggestions for the name of three new facilities that will be opening in the next two years, Elementary #14 in Shadow Creek Ranch in Pearland, Junior High #6 in Rodeo Palms in Manvel and the Agricultural Science Center in Manvel.

According to board policy, the responsibility for naming facilities rests with the Board of Trustees. As in the past, a committee has been formed to accept suggestions and make a recommendation to the Board on the name of the building.
Board policy also states that school facilities shall be named for persons or places. If the name of a person is to be considered, that individual should have attained prominence locally or nationally in the fields of education, science, art, statesmanship, political science, or military achievement; or have been an early Texas pioneer, or an outstanding president of the United States. If the name of a place is to be considered, the criteria should include historical relevance.

There are specific guidelines that govern the naming of facilities after persons, living or deceased. The person should have made a significant contribution to society; the name should lend prestige and status to an institution of learning; and the nomination must be presented in a brief two paragraph statement that should contain biographical and/or historical data and reasons justifying the choice. Petitions are not acceptable.

Suggestions should be delivered to Shirley Brothers at the Alvin ISD Administration Building at 301 East House St., Alvin., Texas 77511 or e-mailed to Brothers at sbrother@alvinisd.net by September 7. All submissions should be signed and must include the name, address and phone number of the person making the suggestion. Petitions will not be accepted.
The Alvin ISD Board of Trustees will make the final determination on the names of the building. For more information about the process for naming the facilities, please call Brothers at 281-245-2460.