Posted by bringnthenew (anonymous) on September 7, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

well if this is not the first clue to bring something to clanton then i dont know what it takes to get peoples hearts going and get drunks off the road.....

Posted by rmims404 (Roger Mims) on September 8, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's shocking to find out that the death rate from accidents in Chilton County is double the Alabama State average, however, when I drive then it doesn't seem so shocking. I encounter numerous drivers talking on cell phones. Some of them are at four way stops waiting, some are at critical locations on very busy 4 lanes attempting to turn, all the while talking on the phone. There is no way drivers can keep their mind on driving while talking on their cell. Think about the DUI's, not paying attention, human error, putting on makeup or combing hair, eating while driving, trying to control the kids, leaning over to pick up something that just slid off the seat, improper lane changes, no turn signal-well I could go on and on. It's surprising that we don't have more hiway fatalities. Let's try to remember that driving is very serious, pay attention and be courteous to others.

Posted by lovemygrands (anonymous) on September 8, 2008 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Regarding the high number of accidents - how often do you see driver's license checks? How often do you see the cops with a teen driver stopped for speeding? I've lived here for several years now and rarely see a cop in Thorsby or Clanton stop anyone. You'd think these places are filled with model drivers! I worry about the children in my own neighborhood which is filled with numerous opportunities for an accident. Speeding teen drivers and unfenced pools are two examples.

Posted by rclgel1 (anonymous) on September 8, 2008 at 10:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is not exactly the biggest suprise I have ever had. Too many people smoke too much. Too many people drink too much and then drive. Too many parents teach their children to drive and shoot before they are mature enough to make good decisions. Too many people drive like they are NASCAR drivers (speed, follow too close). Look at the restaurants in Chilton County. Most of them are fast food. Look at what and how much the people of Chilton eat. There are way too many overweight people. If we want longer lives in Chilton County, we have to have lifestyles that promote good health.

Posted by reneenickolson (anonymous) on September 14, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This ia a subject close to my heart, in 2006 and 2007 My family alone lost 7 friends and family to suicide, actually it was in less than a 12 month time frame. I lost count of the car accident victims. These were upstanding sucessful people you would have never guessed. All these people were loved and needed most were fathers , mothers, even grand parents and children. Several touched my family and me in a postive , special way that we would and will not ever forget them. I had to sit and wonder each time I heard of one of these tragedies, " did I tell them how much they ment, are what a positive influence they had on our lives "? Probaly not. I am sure their families and ones close to them saw problems and new they had strugglies, but do the ones in need listens to those closest to them ? Very seldom. I wrote the paper several years ago when we had several young ones die at their own hands and requested they do some kind of special reporting on this issue and some articles of help on where for those in need to go and there families. And 3 years after, a few months ago it finally was brought to the publics attention. Of course its better late than never, But not for some. I am not blaming the paper, don't go there . It might not have saved not one, but at least the families would know what their resources were. The saddest thing of all some people have not missed these people and don't even know what happened to them. I have seen the oddest reaction from family members of those that gave up the fight, from just putting them in the ground ,to no obit published. Even lieing about their fate. I have always been told its all the victims fault , they were mentally ill, but I think sometimes we all play a part. Its easy to throw up your hands and blame the person thats sick, yes sick. A very close friend of ours passed away at his own hands in Jan. 2007, we had lost tract of him and after finding out what happened we were saddened to the core, and it has taken me till this week Sept. 2008 to find out where he was laid to rest so we could go visit and put flowers on his grave. And that was through alot of internet surfing. Know one wanted to talk about him are what happened and he was one of the most good hearted people I have ever met . Let me tell you, its hard to go look down on a clump of dirt, and try to tell how much they ment to you, you finally have to just except you messed up. And this rings true of people that are handicapped , nursing home are home bound. My family lost 2 members last year, in this catigory, And believe me they were forgotton. I think we could all do better and be more caring of the people around us everyday, don't wait to have to send flowers, they can not see or food they can't enjoy,are till hospis is knocking at the door. I know we have to deal with road conditions, city and county issue, politics, and everyday things , but they will always be there, but our loved ones, friends, school mates and neighbors want.