The Blog

A wreck that involved a hazmat spill and cleanup shut down the westbound lanes of Interstate 10 for several hours in Beaumont, Texas. According to Jefferson County Justice of the Peace, Ben Collins, an 18-wheeler went over the guardrail and hit a black Escalade head-on. Emma T. Brooks – the 67 year-old-woman driving the Escalade – passed away while the driver of the 18-wheeler received treatment at a local hospital and survived the crash. According to 12News, there was an additional wreck near MLK Parkway that occurred as traffic backed up from the fatal 18-wheeler accident.

According to Austin Police Department, officers are looking for the motorist that hit and killed a pedestrian in late February. The crash occurred on February 27 around 5 in the evening. The motorist was driving a white sedan, possibly a Hyundai. Authorities say the sedan struck 67-year-old Ricardo Alvarado at the intersection of 7th street and Pleasant Valley. Alvarado passed away a week later in the hospital. Police have been unable to locate the driver who fled the scene and is requesting the public’s help in identifying the driver. The vehicle did not have a license plate on the front and may have had paper tags during the time of the collision. The car also has damage on the front right side.

A reckless driving collision that took place on West Interstate 20 near McCart Avenue has left one dead and two others seriously injured, according to NBC-DFW. Fort Worth police arrested 22-year-old Bryce Abernathy after driving nearly 160 mph on I-20 in Fort Worth when he rear-ended another car, killing 19-year-old, Shaudi Smallwood. The crash happened on March 15 at about 11 p.m. when Abernathy slammed his Camaro into an SUV. Abernathy is being charged with two counts of aggravated assault and one count of manslaughter.

Spring is here, so it’s time to watch out and share the road with motorcycles. As we begin to transition between winter and spring, our two-wheel enthusiasts are breaking out their gear and heading back out onto the roadways. Motorcycles are inherently risky in traffic, but in the hands of an experienced rider, they’re safe… So long as the cars and trucks around them know how to act reasonably.

KSAT reported one person is dead and one other is receiving treatment at a local hospital after a fiery crash in San Antonio. Bexar County Sheriff said the vehicle collision took place a little after midnight on Loop 1604 southbound, near Medina Creek. According to deputies, the male driver and female passenger were inside the car when it swerved off the road and hit a median. The vehicle then crashed through a barrier and fell 60 feet into an embankment.

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reported more than 4,480 deaths in 2021. That means there have been more traffic fatalities in 2021 than any year since 1981. Data shows 4,701 recorded fatalities in 1981 – making 2021 the second deadliest year for Texas motorists.

Angel Reyes – Reyes Browne Reilley is here to remind everyone to keep their eyes open and hands on the wheel to handle springtime driving hazards. Let’s enjoy these longer days with sunshine and blooming buds. As everything begins to feel fresh and new again, don’t let your guard down on the road.

NBC5 reports a fiery head-on collision that’s left several families grieving after six students and one faculty member from the University of the Southwest (USW) passed away. In addition, the driver and 13-year-old passenger of the oncoming Dodge 2500 pick-up truck also passed away. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the fatal collision occurred at 8:17 p.m. on FM 1788 north of SH 115 in Midland when the pick-up struck the Ford passenger van that was transporting USW men and women golf teams.

The USW team was set to play in a tournament in Midland on Wednesday, March 16, and scheduled to tee off the following morning against Midland College.