I recently thanked a dump truck driver for NOT killing my family as we were stopped in traffic on Novelty Hill. We think his brakes failed him, though he didn’t stick around to explain. In the few weeks since that incident I have seen a “side dumper” truck coming down the hill with smoke pouring from his brakes. Luckily I was at the top of the hill going up, but I felt fear for those below that might be in his way.

Then just last week, Novelty Hill was closed again. The next day you could see the skid marks at the bottom of the hill, the missing guard rails, and broken trees. Was a life lost? Truck drivers have died there in the past.

It must have been a truck accident — again ... . I have been driving that hill daily for 16 years and lost count many years ago of the many closures due to trucks losing it as they hurry to their next job site.

Our recent close call has made it personal, but I believe there is a bigger picture here. Are there other people who have witnessed accidents, or had close calls too?

Should big trucks be using Novelty Hill with its steep grade?

What can be done? Does a family need to die? Must there be great tragedy to effect change?