TYLER (KYTX) – Debris remained Monday from a crash on Highway 31 that claimed three lives over the weekend, including that of a ten-year-old boy.
Many consider Highway 31 very dangerous, and it has even received nicknames like “death valley” and “bloody 31.” Saturday’s tragedy is nothing new for people who live along the highway, and they want all drivers to take note of the dangers.
“I understand accidents can happen anywhere, but they certainly seem to be more prevalent here,” said Mike Crist, who has lived on Highway 31 for more than 40 years. He also owns Mike’s Automotive which is located on the road.
“Unfortunately the noise that you hear with a head-on collision out here is very familiar because it happens frequently,” Crist said. “That noise kind of sticks in your head.”
Crist heard that sound outside his house Saturday afternoon and ran to help.
“That child I seen pass Saturday was 5 days older than my youngest daughter,” he said.
The child he referred to was Kent Jones, 10, who was killed along with his dad, Matt, when their westbound Toyota swerved on Highway 31 and hit a pickup truck head-on. Troopers said Kent was riding in the front seat.
The pickup driver, Ellisa Phippen of Gilmer, was also killed. Troopers say she was not wearing a seat belt. Her daughter, Carlee Phippen of Tyler, was taken to Trinity Mother Frances where she was in fair condition Monday evening.
“I reiterate to my family on a daily basis how careful they need to be just on the short distance we are from town,” said Crist.
Since the beginning of 2010, 23 fatal crashes have occurred along the 26-mile stretch of Highway 31 between Loop 323 in Tyler and SH 135 in Kilgore according to TxDOT. Six of those crashes took place in the last year.
Crist said he thought that number would be lower following a speed limit reduction near his home and the addition of a center turn lane from Loop 323 to FM 850. However, that is not the case, he said.
“I think the only change that can be made to stop these accidents is the drivers. It's going to be their responsibility to make a change,” Crist said.
While Crist said he and others who frequent Highway 31 would like to see additional changes and a lower speed limit, he knows that can take time and believes resolving the issues starts with the people traveling down the road.
“They have to pay attention,” he said. “They have to quit using these turn lanes and shoulders to pass vehicles. They need to stay in their lane. They need to abide by the speed limit. Slow down”
KYTX spoke to a Texas Department of Public Safety spokesperson Monday who echoed Crist's points. She also urged drivers to always buckle up and follow traffic laws.
DPS continues to investigate into Saturday's crash and said it could take up to ten days before it is complete. Investigators believe speed may have played a role in the collision.
Meanwhile, TxDOT released the following statement to KYTX Monday in response to the crash:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this tragic crash. TxDOT takes every crash into consideration in an effort to determine what safety improvements could be made to a roadway."
A spokesperson for the agency said crews are in the final phase of installing a passing lane from FM 850 to FM 757. Passing lanes are also under construction from FM 757 to FM 1639 in Kilgore.
Friends have setup an online donation page for Carlee Phippen. Click here if you'd like to donate.
