Apr 12, 2013 6 min read

…As much as I love the spring season, I must admit that this is the time of year when I get a little nervous, and not because my wife has me going crazy with endless “Spring Fever” chores. No, I seriously get apprehensive because I know that with warmer weather comes more drivers on our roadways, and with more drivers there is more potential for careless driving that could lead to accidents and sometimes even fatalities.

Over the past few weeks, I have received quite a few police reports pertaining to vehicular crashes and fender-benders all throughout the county, and in many of those reports it is noted that drivers and passengers have suffered various injuries.

(I have even suffered a mishap of my own recently, when someone severely and carelessly dented the side of my car while it was parked and then drove off without accepting responsibility, causing me unnecessary expenses and aggravation.)

And what’s troubling about the reports is that police say many of the parties involved in these accidents are driving recklessly – in some cases, they are driving too fast for conditions, or just simply driving too fast. In other cases, drivers are passing other cars in no-passing lanes, or are distracted by cell phones or radios. Many of the drivers are not wearing seat belts or using turn signals, and some have been drinking alcohol.

And it doesn’t stop there. We also get reports from concerned travelers who complain that many of Greene County’s tranquil country roads have been bombarded with seemingly endless convoys of mammoth 18-wheel monstrosities barreling down single-lane roads at unbelievably high rates of speed, at all hours of the day, veering into opposite lanes of traffic and showing little concern for other drivers.

Add to the fact that on any given day you can drive around and count how many people are multi-tasking behind the wheel – talking or texting on the cell phone, performing a solo rock concert by singing along with the radio, eating a meal, reorganizing their briefcase or applying makeup – and you know how dangerous it can be when you’re sharing a road with distracted drivers.

It is obvious that the warmer weather brings out more vehicles and more drivers who feel carefree on the roadways. But being carefree behind the wheel can be dangerous and, in many cases, fatal.

Hopefully, this column will serve as an important reminder to all drivers to please be careful and alert, and to drive both offensively and defensively, when they are behind the wheel.

Roadway accidents and fatalities that happen on our roads are far too common every year and have claimed the lives of far too many people. And sadly, it’s obvious – based on information provided by police – that some degree of careless driving may have played a part in many of the tragedies.

With spring here and summer rolling right around the corner, we know that more and more cars, trucks and motorcycles will be hitting the pavement, and we all have to be as careful on the road as we possibly can, because we never know when disaster may strike.

Most of us have been guilty of being careless drivers at one time or another. I admit that I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve swerved off the road fiddling with the radio, reaching for my beverage or even talking on the cell phone, not to mention the countless times I’ve had a “lead foot” or forgot to put on my seat belt because I was in a hurry.

The scary thing is, distracted or careless driving is probably one of the easiest things to do. But I believe we all need to be more responsible when we are behind the wheel. It’s not just common sense, it’s the law. And yes, it could even save lives…

…Now that it’s finally starting to feel like spring, I know many of us are itching to escape the clutches of Old Man Winter. And one great thing about Greene County is that with the spring season comes a slew of different and varied events and activities that are offered throughout the county.

We are already getting tons of info about upcoming events and we are going to do our best to share that info with our readers. For example, inside this issue you will find info about a bunch of events that are happening over the next few weeks, such as the annual Mini-Relay For Life.

Waynesburg University will host its sixth annual Mini-Relay this Sunday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Johnson Commons. From dawn to dusk, teams of university students will split their members into groups to walk for an hour at a time, making sure a representative of each team is on the course at all times. The public is cordially invited to attend and enjoy food, games and prizes.

During Mini-Relay for Life, campus organizations will sell food and products as well as host activities to engage the campus and community in the fundraising cause. Organizations are also encouraged to fundraise as teams or individuals before the event.

This year’s activities will include a Kid’s Zone with inflatables, balloon artists and children’s games, a Sheetz Coffee Truck, a car smash, a magic show and more.

For more information, contact khardie@waynesburg.edu or 724-852-3402.

As someone who has attended the Mini-Relays in the past, I cannot say enough good things about this event, and I strongly encourage the public to attend. Some residents may feel that the Mini-Relay is a private event exclusively for university students, but it isn’t. It’s for everyone, especially those who want to help make a difference.

By the way, the Mini-Relay is one of many events that are part of the Relay For Life of Greene County. This year’s Relay will be held May 4-5 at the Waynesburg Central High School Raider Field of Pride.

The Messenger is proud to sponsor the Relay each year, and you can expect to find a lot of coverage about this year’s event on our pages over the next couple of months. In fact, look no further than this very issue to learn more about the 2013 Relay For Life…