The headlines ripped through the artistic community and reverberated throughout one place in particular, Los Angeles, California. July 11, 1956: American pop artist Jackson Pollock (44) lost control of his convertible while driving near East Hampton, New York, hit an oak tree, and died instantly of a skull fracture. Jackson Pollock liked the fast-life and his art portrayed just that. Even in death the struggling artist has yet to reach his hidden jewel as he so proudly would say of his artwork.

Maintown USA

It is difficult to understand how such a talent, raw and full of promise if not self-confidence, could be taken while driving a vehicle? We certainly are not unfamiliar with the tragedy that highways and even simple side-streets in Maintown, America bear witness to each day or so it seems. The remembrance of such a fabled visionary as Pollock and the infinite sadness that can be a result from not driving safely impacts all of us.

Slow Down and Stay Around

The accident that claimed the life of Pollock on that darkened night in New York should serve as a testament that accidents will happen but we do not have to accentuate those risks with careless driving. This is not to say that Jackson Pollock was normally a reckless driver, not at all, this is just a strong reminder that as you drive today or tonight, be very careful. Your life cannot be returned to you or those that love you once it has been left on the side of the road. Drive safely, do not text or use any form of the plethora of nifty-electronic gadgets of today, and stay around for awhile.