These decorated crosses are a common sight on the side of many of New Mexico highways. Each marks a spot where an automobile accident resulted in the deaths of some of the occupants. Either this spot had a huge accident claiming many lives or it is a dangerous place for automobiles. I have passed these specific markers many times on Old Las Vegas Highway as I drove to and from downtown, but decided to stop to photograph them. I was a bit startled to see the Star of David with the name of "Kate" attached. At one of the spots on Interstate 25 as I was driving from the Albuquerque airport I noted a family visiting and praying at one of the memorial spots. Gives one pause!
This reminds me of cemeteries in Mexico. Glad you stopped to photograph it, Kate.
ReplyDeleteIts sad that many of these accidents could have been prevented. I always take pause when I see them on the side of the road also.
ReplyDeleteOh oh... does the one with the star of David say Kate? :S
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that there are so many of these in one spot. You'd think that would give the road engineers a hint that something needs to be changed!
This is sobering, isn't it? It leave me wondering about what happened at this spot.
ReplyDeleteI recall these crosses on what was also my regular route to town, the OVH. Sobering reminders of the tragedy of losing someone we love. These are common in NM, as you pointed out, but I think they also create these more there than in other areas. I'm not certain of statistics, of course.
ReplyDeleteI trust you're having a marvelous time.
I see many, many of these roadside memorials out here in the west but, I don't believe I've ever seen one with a star of David.
ReplyDeleteIt breaks my heart when I see these at spots along the road, can just imagine whole families lives changed in a few minutes! So sad!
ReplyDeleteTraffic fatalities are so tragic for many reasons. The sudden and unexpected departure of loved ones does not give the time for preparation for end of life that hospice care does for people who have lived long lives. These memorials may be part of the healing process because the survivors did not get a chance to say goodbye.
ReplyDeleteIs this a dangerous spot? What a sad but very interesting find.
ReplyDeleteThis was a very bad accident. Drinking of course was involved. 4 teenagers were killed and the drunk driver was found not guilty.
ReplyDeletescary and depressing!
ReplyDeleteROG, ABC Wednesday team
I've been living here in NM for so long that I no longer know if this practice is just in the greater SW or all over the continent? My friend says they are called descansos. A place of rest...it makes me sad to see so many of them.
ReplyDeleteI have seen memorials such as this along highways here in New York state too. I think they not only memorialize the dead, but give warning to the living. Life is short no matter how long it is.
ReplyDeleteThese reminders of deaths when driving are everywhere here in Michigan. Hopefully they will make us drive more defensively.
ReplyDeleteHelenMac
ABC Team
I so like and appreciate those posts. They are a poignant reminder of driving safely and defensively. I loved the Kate Star too.
ReplyDelete