What's disturbing is that these most recent collisions are getting more and more serious.

Since Oct. 22, there have been four fatalities on Caldwell's highways and at least three head-on collisions that have resulted in serious injuries for those involved in them. Two of those crashes have involved motorcyclists.

What's going on?

In some of the crashes, perhaps inattention is a cause. In at least one of the wrecks, alcohol was a contributing factor. The head-on crashes were a result of drivers crossing the center line to a point where motorists coming the opposite way had little to no time to even attempt any evasive maneuvers.

These driving behaviors often prove costly, from the damage done to vehicles to a rise in insurance rates. Even more costly is the tragic loss of life that we see from such crashes.

In Caldwell County this year, there have been 15 fatalities already, seven more than last year's total of eight. They have involved pedestrians, motorcycles, head-on crashes, golf carts and alcohol.

They are tragic; they are sad; they are happening too often.

Perhaps we, as motorists, need to look at ourselves and the way we drive our vehicles. Maybe we need to become more aware of what we do when we get behind the wheel. It probably would be a good idea just to be more alert and cognizant of our surroundings when we are driving.

More than anything, we need to take on some personal responsibility when we buckle in, crank up and leave our homes or places of employment. We need to be mindful of what is going on around us as we travel.

Law enforcement officials preach to us about not operating vehicles while impaired. They tell us to avoid eating or fidgeting with other controls that take our attention off the roadway. They tell us not to drive while impaired by alcohol, drugs or medications. They tell us to avoid texting and talking on cell phones. They tell us to obey the rules of the road and not divert our attention elsewhere.

The problem is we often don't listen and fail to take those words of advice to heart. And that's what gets us in trouble on the roads.

Let's take their advice. Let's be careful as we travel. Someone's life depends on it.

Nathan Key is editor of the News-Topic. He can be reached at 828-758-7381, ext. 313, or by e-mail at nathankey@newstopic.net.