Road side respect?.........

Last week while working in Arizona I was reminded of something I wanted to document.  It seems that in Arizona that there is a greater acceptance from the Department of Transportation for road side death markers.  Or there is a greater effort by families, friends, associates, etc. to identify a location where an individual passed away.  This is my perception based on the states I have traveled in.  On a stretch of highway that does not cover 40 miles is several markers.  I counted 30 just in the direction I was traveling.  The marker above is by far most decorated.  Multiple candles, an area of about 100 square feet covered in flowers and spiritual objects including statues lies in the State Right of Way.  I noticed at night it is even lit with solar powered lights.  The individual that died on this portion of the highway must have a very large family.  Or at the very least is greatly missed.  This site has been here for years.

This site is very small.  The space is important to someone.  The continued effort to have the fenced "Cross" protected matters to that same someone.  

The plant to the right is being protected by a fence.  Was it planted when the individual died?  There is significance to the plant.  Is Bubba a nickname?  This individual is missed just like the others.  The personality of those left here to mourn is shown with the differences of each marker.

I really found this marker interesting.  Why would someone leave a beer bottle at the marker?  

I assume that this is a marker for someone's death on the highway.  How long ago did this individual pass away at this spot?  Did a family or friend leave the marker?  Is the individuals death so devastating that individuals do not want to return to this spot?  Does religion play a roll in any of the markers?  

I see these markers and my thoughts go to family members of mine that have passed.  If they were killed on a stretch of a highway would I return regularly and keep the site current with flowers, etc?  The first photo above is visited so much that there is a path up to the marker.  Do States turn their heads with these markers?    

When you see these markers, slow down, don't drink and drive, drive defensively, but most importantly feel blessed to be alive!   Have great day!