New Mexico State Police reported a vehicle crash in Pecos on SR 50 at 12:30 AM on May 6, 2023.

The crash involved Gene Romero, a 26-year-old who was driving a 2016 Dodge Ram. He drove onto the shoulder and then overcorrected, according to the NMSP investigation. His truck then slammed into a car driving eastbound on the highway.

Blue Dodge Ram truck featured on road

Romero was unfortunately declared dead at the scene of the car and truck crash, and the car’s driver had to be taken to the hospital; that person’s condition is currently unknown. Police are currently investigating whether alcohol played a role in the collision.

Pecos, NM, located in San Miguel County, is a small community and former mining town. Due to its proximity to several interstate highways, it has seen an undue number of car crashes and truck crashes. In addition to SR 50, where this Dodge Ram crash happened, routes 63 and 223 all intersect in the area. As numerous trucks and cars pass through, the potential for lethal accidents is quite high. 

“The family of George Romero suffered a loss, and tragically the individual he slammed into is seriously injured,” said Brian Colón, Managing Partner of Singleton Schreiber’s New Mexico offices. “Driving our highways can be dangerous, and DUI crashes in our state occur far too frequently.”

Anyone interested in speaking with the DUI crash injury attorneys at Singleton Schreiber can call 505-605-2076 or email info@singletonschreiber.com

Pecos Truck and Car Crash

Car accident deaths are a tragic reality that affect individuals, families, and communities across the United States. Pecos, New Mexico, is no exception to this trend, with a significant number of fatalities occurring on the state’s highways and roads each year. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), New Mexico has consistently been ranked as one of the most dangerous states in the country for car and truck accidents. Pecos, located in the northeastern part of the state, has not been immune to this trend. In fact, Pecos is one of the most dangerous areas for drivers in New Mexico, with a higher than average number of car accident deaths.

Data from the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) indicates that there were 23 fatal car accidents in San Miguel County, which includes Pecos, in 2020. These accidents resulted in 26 deaths, which is a staggering number for a county with a population of just over 28,000. This means that there were nearly 1 car accident deaths per 1,000 residents in San Miguel County, a rate that is significantly higher than the state and national averages.

The causes of car accidents in Pecos, New Mexico, are varied and include factors such as speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Additionally, the rural nature of the area means that many of the roads are narrow, winding, and have limited visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.

According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), alcohol-involved crashes accounted for 27% of all fatal crashes in the state in 2019. There were 1,323 crashes involving alcohol, which resulted in 118 fatalities and 596 injuries. These statistics highlight the devastating consequences of drunk driving collisions and the urgent need to address the problem.

To address the issue of car accident deaths in Pecos and across New Mexico, the state has implemented several measures aimed at reducing the number of fatalities. These include increasing funding for law enforcement efforts to crack down on drunk and distracted driving, installing more speed limit signs and rumble strips, and improving road infrastructure to make it safer for drivers.

In addition, the NMDOT has launched several public awareness campaigns to educate drivers about the dangers of reckless driving and encourage them to adopt safe driving practices. These campaigns have included billboards, radio advertisements, and social media outreach, all aimed at promoting safe driving habits and reducing car accident deaths.

“The highway around Pecos should be safe, and drivers should be able to travel them without fear of injury,” added NM car crash attorney, Mr. Colón. “Our attorneys are from NM are and are always ready to aggressively pursue claims for those injured, including the hard-working people of Pecos when injured through no fault of their own.” 

Anyone who has been hurt or injured in a Pecos car crash should contact Singleton Schreiber can call 505-605-2076 or email info@singletonschreiber.com