Last year was a deadly year on Polk County roadways with five fatalities being reported from car crashes in the county.
While the overall number of crashes did decline from the prior year, from 445 total crashes in 2010 to 390 in 2011, the percentage of deaths in relation to those crashes increased.
One wreck in Mill Spring took the life of a 28-year-old who was driving at an excessive speed and not wearing a seat belt. Another took the life of a 37-year-old, also speeding and not wearing a seat belt.
Tragedies such as car wrecks can strike any of us at any time, but we all need to take every precaution we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones from such ends. The roads throughout Polk County and the Landrum area are often winding, with poor visibility. We encourage everyone to take their time and be vigilant defensive drivers.
There is nowhere you could be going that is worth risking your life to get there by driving faster.
— Editorial staff, Tryon Daily Bulletin