Boulevard of Broken Dreams [PHIL-OSOPHY]

If the old Rt. 66 was America's Mother Road, then Rt. 24 is our Road to Hell.

According to a very interesting Brockton Enterprise story, MassDOT records show a 33 percent increase in accidents in 2016 compared to 2017. That's huge. It also sets a new record since 2002.

In 1951, the 40-mile span was designed as the Fall River Expressway. But back then, motorists weren't as distracted as they are now, with cell phones and other things to take their attention off the road. In the last 10 years or so, nearly 25 people have died in accidents on Rt. 24. And if it's not distracted drivers endangering our lives, people speed as if it was a raceway. I've seen these speed demons weave in and out, shifting lanes, stressing out those of us who white-knuckle the steering wheel.

And let's not forget the roadside crosses and memorials marking the spot along the straight-a-way where someone's mom, dad, brother or sister lost their life. They should serve as reminders to slow down and pay attention, but so many don't even notice them anymore. As a sign of respect, I cross myself every time I see a roadside commemoratory. That said, I curse the designer of the on-ramps in Taunton where the road narrows and ramp forces the cars into the right travel lane of Rt. 24 South. There is very little margin for error. One of the best examples of idiocy.

Tell us about your Rt. 24 horror story, because in a time of road rage, preoccupation, the road's design, speeders and the overflow of real-time bumper-to-bumper traffic, I have little faith that things are going to get any better.

Phil Paleologos is the host of the Phil Paleologos Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contact him at phil@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @PhilPaleologos. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.