Road Warrior: Giving thanks and saying goodbye to a colleague

Happy Monday.

Thursday is Thanksgiving and there are plenty of things to be thankful for, such as getting to a destination safely.

TRAFFIC FATALITIES: Last month, there were fewer traffic fatalities reported in the state than a year ago.

Data from the New Mexico Department of Transportation and University of New Mexico showed there were 23 traffic fatalities in October, which is down about 48% from October 2023, 44.

The 23 fatalities also marked a 32% decrease from September, 34. Of the 23, five were in Bernalillo County. The next highest number for any county was three, in Santa Fe and Torrance counties.

U.S. 285: There are plenty of dangerous roads out there, but there is one that has seen its fair share of fatalities over the years: U.S. Highway 285.

I enjoy the open spaces and awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets on this route. However, the drive could be treacherous at times.

Known as the “Death Highway,” U.S. 285 runs from Sanderson, Texas, to Denver. In many parts, especially in New Mexico, the route goes through wide-open spaces with few services for miles. Combined with sudden weather changes, such as dust storms and flash floods, and drivers could be in for a dicey and potentially deadly experience.

In late February, for example, a 63-year-old Roswell man was killed in a multi-vehicle crash during a dust storm. High winds and limited visibility due to blowing dust played a role in the incident, New Mexico State Police spokesperson Ray Wilson said.

What do you think are the most dangerous roads in New Mexico?

AWARD OF MERIT: Back in the metro area, the Bernalillo County public works team recently received the Engineering News-Record’s 2024 Southwest Best Projects Award of Merit in the Highway/Bridge category.

The county was recognized for the Sunport Boulevard extension project, which connected Broadway and I-25 at the Sunport Boulevard Interchange and addressed other transportation and access needs in this area including improvements along Broadway.

“The success of the Sunport Boulevard extension project can be attributed to the dedication and thorough attention to detail of the entire project team,” Bernalillo County Public Works Technical Services Director Brian Lopez said in a statement. “Their effective communication with stakeholders and contractors, along with their ability to navigate challenges efficiently, ensured the project was completed on time and within budget. This exceptional teamwork and execution make the Sunport Boulevard extension project truly deserving of this recognition.”

And finally...

GOODBYE, OLLIE: I am thankful for the time I got to spend with late Journal reporter Ollie Reed, Jr.

Reed died a week ago.

I only knew Ollie for a year, but I will never forget him.

On Sundays when Reed came in the office to finish up on a story, we would shoot the bull about a couple of our favorite topics: football — he was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan— and historic people and places across New Mexico like Billy the Kid, Lincoln and Silver City.

I came away from our conversations with new perspectives on life and ideas on where to visit next.

Over the past few days, many people spoke about Mr. Reed, including True West magazine Executive Editor Bob Boze Bell, who said in a blog that Reed was “such a good man, and a fine writer to boot.”

Western writer Bill Markley said that Reed was a “true gentleman.”

“I’m fortunate to know him as a good friend,” Markley said. “The Lord be with you and rest in peace Ollie.”

Thank you, sir, for what you brought to New Mexico, the Western writers community, the Albuquerque Journal, to my life and countless others.

May we meet again one day and enjoy a cold one while discussing the Lincoln County War.