Concerns Mount Over Dangerous Crashes on Highway 30 in College Station
In College Station, Texas, a concerning trend has been emerging along State Highway 30, where more than 1,000 crashes have been reported over the last decade. This alarming statistic has drawn attention from local business owners and residents, who are increasingly worried about their safety.
The Scene of the Incidents
Just this past Tuesday morning, local business owner Michael Heinz witnessed the terrifying aftermath of a crash right outside of his workplace, Texas Landscape Creations, located on Highway 30. “I stayed there with her. I was on the ladder, reaching down in the car, holding her hand. We didn’t want to move her until the paramedics got there,” Heinz recounted, still shaken by the experience. His fear reflects a broader concern in the community: “I just know one of these days we’re going to run up there, and somebody’s going to be dead,” he lamented.
A Hot Spot for Collisions
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has pinpointed the intersection of Highway 30 and Bird Pond Road as a hot spot for collisions. There have been a total of 13 reported crashes at this intersection in the past ten years, with one of those accidents being fatal. The frequency of incidents has local residents on edge, with business owners like Jeff David voicing their concerns to TxDOT in hopes of seeing improved safety measures.
Frustration with Lack of Action
Despite David’s continuous outreach to state authorities, he has found the response lacking. “Countless, countless close calls,” he explained. “It’s not uncommon for us to be here and hear horns blaring out front, and we’re all praying that you don’t hear the collision afterwards.” He recalled a particularly unhelpful response he received from TxDOT, which left him and others feeling unheard: “Thanks for giving us information. We‘ll take it into consideration,” he said, expressing frustration that the situation remains unchanged a year and a half later.
Understanding the Causes
Local authorities have shed light on the reasons behind these crashes. Officer Seth Waller from the Bryan Police Department emphasized that the main cause is often failing to control speed. This concept can be a little tricky to grasp; for example, someone driving at 30 miles per hour is not technically speeding, but if they don’t slow down while the vehicle in front does, it can easily lead to an accident. “You weren’t speeding, but the speed you were going was a factor condition in that crash,” he explained.
A Call for Change
Both Heinz and David are striving for a safer road for everyone who travels along Highway 30. Their hope is simple yet significant: “We’re trying to make sure that we can save somebody from dying, or multiple people from dying out there in front of our office,” David said earnestly. Their passion and dedication highlight a growing demand for safety measures that protect not just motorists, but also local business patrons and residents who frequently navigate this hazardous stretch of road.
As the community continues to advocate for change, the pressing question remains: when will TxDOT take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of Highway 30? The people of College Station are calling for action, hoping that their concerns will eventually lead to safer streets for all.
