Sheriff urges caution on gravel roads

Whether you’re a veteran gravel road driver or if it is your first time, danger lurks on all parts of the road.

“The stop sign is there for a reason,” Gage County Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson said.

Even if the area is clear of obstructions and no other cars are seen coming, making a full stop at a stop sign is necessary.

On Tuesday, 24-year-old Nathan Lindblad of Beatrice was driving his gold 2000 Ford F150 on South 103rd Road. He had a stop sign when he came to PWF Road, which he told police that he stopped at, before continuing on.

Lindblad didn’t see Beverly and Neil Brauch of rural Odell driving their red 1977 Ford F150 on PWF Road. He struck their vehicle in the middle of the intersection, causing it to roll several times before landing in a ditch on the north side of PWF Road.

The crash took 70-year-old Beverly Brauch’s life, Neil Brauch was taken to Bryan LGH West in Lincoln where he is in serious condition. Lindblad was not injured in the accident.

“I’ve seen that so many times, where they think they have a clear path and they go right through,” Gustafson said.

The law was passed and enforced for a reason, he said.

“Many of these signs are there because there have been traffic studies.”

The signs, he said, are meant to remind the public to be aware of the laws, especially on gravel roads.

“Do not violate the stop signs,” he said.

Though speed limits aren’t regularly posted on gravel roads, the speed limit is 50 miles per hour.

“Nothing says you can’t drive slower than that, as long as you aren’t impeding traffic, if you feel more comfortable. Anything to get you where you are going safer,”  Gustafson said.

Loose gravel makes less traction for vehicles, so driving slow can help you manage traction on gravel.

Keeping an eye on the road surface is important, too.

Gustafson said watching for holes and washboards on gravel roads is equally important, especially after harvest season when heavy equipment has weighed on the road surface.

“If you’re not used to it, it could be more of an issue,” he said.