My son was in a life-threatening accident due to the road conditions on Hickory Road between Summer Mountain and Walnut.

For almost 2 decades now that stretch has never been maintained properly before, during, or after snow storms; no ongoing plowing, no pretreatment, a good 2 days sometimes can go by before the eventual sheeting of ice is taken care of.

The residents cannot get emergency vehicles to their homes if needed, and life and property is placed at risk just trying to get off the road to their jobs during these times. Over the years complaints and requests for road maintenance have been called in repeatedly.

On Dec. 20, as usual, there was no plowing or pretreatment as it snowed. As the sun went down the road began to sheet to ice, as it is always allowed to do. My son was trying to get home, all roads leading to home being perfectly fine, and then one house away from home the ice caught him and took him for a ride. Witnesses can attest to the fact that it was 100% road conditions to blame as he crawled down the turn trying to keep control of the car. He was pushed up a barn bank, and then dropped off the edge onto his roof back in the road.

State troopers and the tow truck struggled to get to him due to road conditions. Luckily they were able to get him out of the car safely and he is OK. However, had he needed an ambulance one could not have gotten to him.

As is, a college kid working to cover his expenses is now in financial detriment with a totaled car. My complaint is asking for documented assurances that improvements will be put in place to address the dereliction of duty.

Someone should not have to die before the roads are maintained properly.

Carolann Stroup

Palmerton