Plenty of roadside memorials here in Alaska. They are becoming more prevalent, probably due to an increase in our Latino and Pacific Islander populations. Most of them are in locations that would  not be considered dangerous. Many were due to excessive speed or reckless driving, passing in no-passing zones, etc. Lots of head on collisions from people in too much of a hurry, accidents with moose add to the toll also. Almost all of our highways are two lane roads, there are probably not more then 100 miles of four lane divided highway in the state, increasing the odds of an accident.

Mark in AK

----- Original Message -----
From: "McNearney, Clayton" <mcnearne@MARSHALL.EDU>
Date: Monday, July 19, 2004 6:03 pm
Subject: roadside memorials/ No vanagon content

> Since many list members travel extensively I thought that this request
> was appropriate.  I am involved in a research project on roadside
> memorials, i.e., the white crosses and other items placed at the
> site of
> a fatal accident.  I would appreciate your comments and
> reflections on
> these.  Are they found in some states more than others? Do you notice
> them?  How old is this custom? If you have comments on these and
> similarquestions please send them to me off list.  I would very
> much like your
> help in identifying and contacting people who have themselves
> participated in the construction of such memorials or who have friends
> or family so memorialized.  My contact information is:  Clayton L.
> McNearney, Department of Religious Studies, Marshall University,
> Huntington, West Virginia.  mcnearne@marshall.edu, Phone is (304)696
> 4641   Thanks.
>