“Mercer County Ranks 7th in West Virginia for Fatal Crashes: 58 Deaths in 5 Years”

Impatience and Negligence Contribute to Fatal Crashes on West Virginia’s Highways

Impatience, disregarding weather conditions, disregarding traffic conditions, inattentiveness, driving under the influence, speeding, and distracted driving all contribute to the fatalities seen too often on the highways of West Virginia. These dangerous behaviors have devastating consequences, resulting in loss of life and injuries.

Mercer County Ranked Seventh in West Virginia for Fatal Crashes

After analyzing crash reports written over a five-year period, law enforcement authorities have identified Mercer County as the seventh county in West Virginia with the highest number of fatal crashes. From the years 2017 to 2021, Mercer County has witnessed a total of 58 deaths in crashes.

Seatbelts Save Lives

One crucial safety measure that can significantly reduce the severity of injuries and fatalities in car accidents is wearing seatbelts. Shockingly, 48 percent of the occupants involved in fatal crashes in Mercer County were not wearing seatbelts. Law enforcement officers frequently witness the tragic outcomes of not using seatbelts, emphasizing the importance of this simple yet life-saving practice.

Proactive Traffic Enforcement Program to Improve Road Safety

The Mercer County Sheriff’s Department is taking proactive measures to combat the high number of fatal crashes in the county. In collaboration with the WV Governor’s Highway Safety Program and the WV Coalfields Highway Safety Program, the sheriff’s department will dedicate a full-time deputy to traffic enforcement. This initiative aims to change driving behavior and reduce the number of crashes on Mercer County’s roads.

Lieutenant Adam M. Ballard of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department stated, “We don’t work on a quota system. We are out trying to change driving behavior, and usually issuing citations is the only thing that helps change that behavior.”

Addressing Dangerous Driving Behaviors

Many drivers exhibit dangerous behaviors on the roads, such as disregarding speed limits, tailgating, and neglecting to maintain a safe distance between vehicles. These actions significantly increase the risk of accidents and endanger the lives of everyone on the road. Mercer County and the surrounding region have seen an alarming frequency of such behaviors.

By dedicating a deputy to full-time traffic enforcement, the program aims to create safer roadways, reduce crashes, and free up law enforcement resources for other important duties. Investigating even a simple crash can consume a significant amount of time, and by preventing crashes, law enforcement can better focus on combating criminal activity.

Deputy N.J. Mason: A Dedicated and Trained Traffic Enforcement Officer

Deputy N.J. Mason has been selected to fill the specific enforcement position. With additional training in traffic enforcement and being a Drug Recognition Expert, Deputy Mason will play a crucial role in identifying and arresting drug-impaired drivers. The program will not only focus on impaired driving but also enforce various other traffic laws to ensure overall road safety.

Enhancing Community Safety Through Collaboration

By working together, local law enforcement agencies and responsible drivers can make the highways in and around Mercer County safer for everybody. It is essential for motorists to understand that traffic enforcement is a crucial part of law enforcement and contributes to maintaining a safe community.