Friday alone, the Roanoke Rapids Police Department responded to seven crashes within an hour.

Wednesday the police department responded to six crashes and last month responded to a total of 75.

The prevalence of wrecks last month, bringing the year's total to 688, has prompted the police department to begin a study to determine the problem areas, Captain Andy Jackson said, as well begin issuing state citations for violators.

Most of the wrecks involved non-fatal injuries, although one person had to be extricated from their vehicle. That changed in June when Brad Denning was struck by a motorist while riding his scooter on Tenth Street. He died in August.

“The reason we want to get the word out is typically in November and December we see a spike because traffic in shopping areas is heavier,” Jackson said. “More people are out in business areas.”

The majority of these wrecks are caused by failing to reduce speed, safe movement violations and simply backing, Jackson said.

“Some of the newer vehicles have warning cameras,” he said, “but what we're noticing is people backing rely heavily on their rearview mirrors.”

Old school driver education rules are the safest bet when backing. “Turn your head, put your arm behind the headrest for comfort. Don't solely rely on the rearview mirror.”

Jackson said sport utility vehicle owners especially need to use the driver education method because the size of the vehicles make it more difficult to see lower objects.

Simple methods such as slowing down and obeying required speed limits can make a difference, especially in bad weather.

Drunk driving or driving with someone who has been drinking contributes as does failing to keep tires properly inflated. “Use turn signals, don't tailgate, keep your eyes moving and pay attention. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.”

Jackson predicts the results of the study will show Tenth Street, Old Farm Road, Highway 158 and the areas around Wendy's and Burger King on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway will be the problem areas.

“Part of Old Farm Road is a residential area,” Jackson said, explaining why the speed limit is 25. “Residents are backing out of driveways, kids are on bikes and people are walking. It has hills and a sharp curve. Out of respect for the residents, no one wants a freeway in their front yard.”

Those areas will be the target of enforcement while the study is ongoing, as well as the entire city itself, Jackson said. “We'll be writing uniform state citations which carry points and court costs around $188.”

Jackson said total damages in the October wrecks alone are somewhere around $150,000. “That ultimately affects everyone's insurance premiums.”

Said Chief Thomas Hathaway, “All motorists have to share the highway. It's our responsibility to be respectful of each other on the highway. Safety is everyone's concern.”