A large number of fatalities on roadways in Mississippi over the past few days should remind each of us of the dangers of simply getting behind the wheel.
On Monday, a fatal crash between a passenger van and box truck claimed the lives of eight people, including four brothers. The accident occurred in Kemper County on Highway 16 east of Scooba. The victims were identified as Guillermo Lugo, Francisco Lugo, David Lugo, Luis Lugo, Macario Peregrino, Jose Maldonedo, Arnulfo Martinez and Jose Barrera. The Lugos were brothers. They all lived in Macon, Mississippi.
On Tuesday, 23-year-old Latasha Bradley, 25-year-old Felicia D. Wilson, and her 4-year-old son, Franklin Wilson, all of Utica, were killed in a head-on collision on Highway 18 near Raymond, Mississippi
A crash Wednesday, which claimed the lives of three people, was near the scene an accident that claimed eight lives on Monday. Authorities say a vehicle traveling southbound crossed a median and hit three northbound vehicles. The victims have been identified as 12-year-old Bailey Southerlen of Southaven, 56-year-old Kimberly S. Holliday from Southhaven, and 67-year-old Kathleen Estling of Iowa.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes. Here are a few reminders to help keep you and your passengers safe.
Drivers and passengers can:
- Use a seat belt in every seat, on every trip, no matter how short.
- Make sure children are always properly buckled in the back seat in a car seat, booster seat, or seat belt, whichever is appropriate for their age, height, and weight.
- Choose not to drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, and help others do the same.
- Obey speed limits.
- Drive without distractions (such as using a cell phone or texting).
Please stay safe and aware while you are traveling.
