YOUR COMMENTS

Bob Mercurio was my younger brother. First, thanks to those that expressed sympathy. I have to clear something up. My brother was parked on the shoulder of the road using his cell phone. The other driver crossed over 2 lanes and median to reach the shoulder.
A 17 yr old is gravely injured and a man is dead, because of speeding. It wasn't the road, or his age.
- Lauren Darby, New Hartford, NY

it sounds like the old 101 that heads from Manchester to Hampton. That road was truly a death trap. - Grace Reilly, Hernando, FL


Grace - I drove that old road frequently. It wasn't a death trap - the fatal accidents were operator error. It IS much safer since it became a limited access highway but the sad truth of the matter is that those accidents would have been avoided if people had driven safely.
- Tracy, Exeter

Annie in Henniker- a man is dead and another in critical condition, and all you are concerned about is complaining about rumble strips? Buy some earplugs- and maybe get some compassion and decency while you're at it.
- Anonymous, Henniker

I've worked with Bob on projects throughout the past few years - very sad to hear about this. My prayers are with his family.
- Steve, Rochester, NY

Have known Bob for years. Very tragic for all involved God bless you Bob.
- Jack, Rochester, NY

It's not just teenagers that are to blame for accidents people. Don't be so quick to judge. There are plenty of "older" folks who don't pay attention on the roads. They "say" speed MAY be a factor. I'm pretty sure that means that IT'S NOT DETERMINED YET!!! Let the police do their jobs before you throw the book at the poor kid. I've never driven that road before when I lived up there but from the sounds of it, it sounds like the old 101 that heads from Manchester to Hampton. That road was truly a death trap. Perhaps they need to make the same changes to 202. Chad we're still praying for Zack and our condolences to the Mercurio family. I know there are no words that can take away the pain of losing a loved one.
- Grace Reilly, Hernando, FL

I was heading West on Rt. 202 that very day, heading home from Sightseeing in Franconia Notch State Park. What a tragedy - it could have definitely been me!

I agree with the others, people seem to want to travel fast on that road - the speed limit is 50-55 - and everyone wants to pass. Please people, slow down! The life you save might just be your own.
- susan l. nagy, hillsborough

Oh the magic rumple srips that irrate the neighbors and have lowered the value of our homes didn't stop this tragic accident. Surprise! Maybe we should have them be deeper, louder and well, I can't stand them ...

I am very sorry about the accident and hope the best for the surviors and their families.
- Annie, Henniker

I agree with Matt of Manchester,
"I have witnessed several close calls on this road and must say it is not just young kids who are the ones driving out of control. We should all hold back on blaming the young kids driving on this road.
"

It doesn't matter how fast you drive because there's always someone who is driving faster than you are.
In my many years of traveling this route, I have seen people reading books/newspapers mounted against their steering wheel while they are weaving back and forth over the yellow & white lines, woman doing their make-up.
In one case a driver westbound ahead of me went over the yellow line heading straight for the guard rails eastbound side, bounced off the guard rails twice and got back in the travel lane continuing west like it never happened, he/she never stopped.
I've had people coming around the corner in my lane and recently I had some idiot who passed me like I was sitting still on a blind corner. And no!!!!, I'm not one of those slower drivers.

What is it going to take to make this a safer road???
- Lee, Hillsboro

Mr. Mercurio was my hockey coach all my life. He was a good coach and everyone liked him. It's really hard to see someone that you respect and then the next day to find out you'll never see that person again. His son Jack is one of my good friends that I've known all my life and I know how much this tragedy will affect him. Coach was a good man and he'll be greatly missed. RIP Coach.
- Matt, Whitestown, NY

I lived in Henniker my whole life, until recently. I used to drive this road several times a week. Both my parents drive on this road every single day for work.

I have witnessed several close calls on this road and must say it is not just young kids who are the ones driving out of control. We should all hold back on blaming the young kids driving on this road.

It seem that if you go the speed limit then in a matter of minutes you will have a line of 20 cars behind you eager to pass you and go faster. As soon as you get onto I-89 and go the speed limit there... no one passes you. People think that 202-9 is an interstate and try to drive like it is, but its NOT.

Slow down people, there is no where to pass between Rt. 114 and 89 so sit back and enjoy the ride! Oh.. and leave earlier... then you don't have to drive 90 mph.
- Matt, Manchester

Alexis, Chris. You better contact the police and tell them to stop picking on the 19 year old because this is what THEY are reporting:

Murdough said that witnesses told police Simoes passed a car at a high rate of speed shortly before the accident. Murdough said the accident was still under investigation, but that it looks like speed was a factor in the accident.


Aren't they so mean, they just don't understand that kids are kids and a human life is a small price to pay for a kid to be able to drive fast and reckless!
- Catherine, Manchester

If there was high wind, snow or heavy rain then I can understand that part of 202 being difficult for 19 year old driver or anyone else less experienced. Let's not blame the road in this instance. Not every road is straight and well lit. Maybe we should redo all the roads for those who like to drive too fast.
- John, Brookline

I have driven this road twice in the last few months, I am passed constantly by people going 65, 75, 85 miles an hour. 50 - 55 is not fast enough and people need to learn to SLOW DOWN.

The speed limit needs to be enforced better, the state police should be out there helping the small towns enforce it. These are small town police departments trying to do it all and they can't. The road also should have barriers up that do not allow passing.

Basically, I kiss my family goodbye when I plan to travel this road and I say a prayer I'll get home safe. It's not a safe road and I am afraid to drive it.
- Nancy, Concord, NH

in my prayers
- anne, utica, ny

Thankfully, the weather was good. I say that because it's one less variable that investigators can toss aside as a contributing cause. Speed was a factor, they say, which could be grounds for negligent homicide once things reach that stage. For the 19 yo, he's got a few crosses to bear now.
- Chris, Brookline

People have some respect, a man died and my son is ICU. The age of the driver is not an issue. That stretch of road is awful over the years many people have died on Rt 202, were they all victims of a 19 year old driver? Smarten up. The families of all involve deserve better from you!
- Chad Kozdra, Ft Drum, NY

I have driven that part of 202 often. Many experienced drivers struggle to drive safely on that road. Imagine what Mr. Simoes is going through at 19 years old. He has to live with this for the rest of his life. Let's all pray for Mr. Kozdra and the Mercurio family before we try to be judge and jury.
- Scott, Fort Hood, TX

I just want to say that my nephew Zak was the passenger in the car. Why don't you people that are criticizing this , pray for the families involved rather that fight on the website about , who what when where and why issues... To the family of Robert Mercurio, our prayers go out to you in your time of sorrow...
- Paula, Methuen, MA

Everyone could possibly stop blaming the 19 year-old because he was 19. Wait till you get the evidence and the facts before you start judging what happened and making your bais views known to everyone. People drive reckless no matter what age it's the individual person.
- Alexis, Deering, NH

get better zak <3
- Haley, Hillsboro

Chris, Allenstown, NH Everyone is quick to blame the 19 y/o. It is a tragady that someone died as a result of this but lets not be so quick as to judge who was at fault.

What do you have to say now Chris???

Augusto Simoes, 19, of Hillsboro, was driving a 2006 Toyota Scion headed east on Route 202 when he lost control of his car and slid sideways into a 2008 Dodge Caravan

I guess its the roads fault. Hope they they charge this kid with vehicular manslaughter...
- Ron, Wilton

Everyone is quick to blame the 19 y/o. It is a tragady that someone died as a result of this but lets not be so quick as to judge who was at fault. Let the police do their jobs and come to a official explination for this tragic event. As far as police bikes are concerned, it does not matter what is on the road for enforcement vehicles. People will still drive recklessly regardless.
- Chris, Allenstown, NH

I have known Bob for many years. He was a very well respected man in our community. Very loving husband, father and friend. He coached many sports here and was very active with the area's youth. Bob will be missed. Rest in peace Bob...
- Thomas, Whitesboro, NY

Everyone knows that that stretch of 202 is a death trap.
- GJP, Manchester

I always dread driving this road. People are insane on 202. Slow down! Let's hope they make an example of this man and send him to prison for a long, long time.
- Kim, Manchester

I was going West an hour or two before and it could have been me or any other safe driver. The teen should be held accountable and learn from this tragedy that did not need to happen.
- Tom, Concord

Yes Steve very well thought out. Buying motorcycles for every town is the best way to stop people from dying on the highways. Do you work for a Harley-Davidson dealer? If only Henniker had a motorcyle division this could have been avoided. Way to blow it town of Henniker.
- Carl, Carlsbad, CA

Maniac teenagers still killing people on a regular basis. I'd love to see highway funds going to the purchase of 2 motorcycles for every town. They are the most effective vehicle for catching reckless drivers. Cruisers are too easy to spot.
- Steve, Amherst

Of course it was speed...he was 19. When will they learn?
- Cheryl, manchester