Ramer man dies in crash on Highway 31
Published 8:28 pm Thursday, January 5, 2023
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A Ramer man, Aaron Michael Bridges, 33, died Wednesday night in a single-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 31, just north of Greenville.
At approximately 10:20 p.m., Bridges’ 1996 Ford Explorer left the roadway, overturned, and struck an embankment.
According to Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Senior Trooper Kendra McKinney, Troopers responded to the crash, which occurred approximately eight miles north of Greenville in Butler County.
“Bridges was pronounced dead at the scene,” McKinney said.
Troopers continue to investigate the crash, McKinney added, and no further information is available while the investigation continues.
While the cause of the crash remains unknown, McKinney said Troopers urge motorists to exercise caution when driving at night.
“Especially when driving at night, make sure to be alert at all times,” McKinney said. “If you feel tired, pull over on the side of the road for a few minutes to rest. Once you feel able to drive, enter safely back into the roadway.”
No evidence suggests Bridges was not wearing a seatbelt or that he was tired, McKinney added.
“At nighttime, make sure you have clear visibility,” McKinney said. “Always wear your seatbelt, drive the posted speed, and be mindful that you’re in the right headspace and physical condition for driving. Make sure you’re being careful.”
Animals contribute to nighttime road hazards, McKinney added, especially in rural areas. No evidence suggests an obstacle in the road contributed to this crash, but drivers are cautioned to remain situationally aware and alert while practicing safe driving.
“Your safety is what’s most important,” McKinney said. “Don’t snatch on your steering wheel. Anyone’s first instinct when they see an animal is to slam on brakes or snatch the wheel to avoid an animal or obstacle in the road. But, using those aggressive techniques can cause a vehicle to spin out, lose control, or run off the road. Never snatch the steering wheel or slam on brakes.”