In a letter to Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Stephen Korta, State Senators Thomas J. Herlihy, R-Simsbury, and Jonathan Harris, D-West Hartford , today are calling for an investigation to determine whether enough sand or salt is being dropped on Avon Mountain to prevent icy road conditions. The inquiry comes one day after an early morning crash claimed the life of a 42-year old woman and left her brother seriously injured. This is the second major accident to occur on the roadway in five months. Back in July, four motorists were killed and dozens were injured when an out of control dump truck crashed at the base of the mountain between intersection of Rt. 44 and Rt. 10 in Avon .

In their letter, the senators stated; "We are disturbed to hear that icy or slick road conditions were a potential factor in the accident and believe that a determination needs to be made as to whether an appropriate level of sand and salt is being drop on slick areas of the mountain. Please investigate as to whether or not sand and salt was used yesterday morning."

According to the senators, preliminary reports do indicate that speed in conjunction with slick road conditions were potentially a factor in the accident. Considering Avon Mountain 's steep slope and accident history, the senators believe it is imperative that the DOT takes extraordinary measures to ensure that the condition of the roadway is safe for commuter and commercial traffic.

"Travel on a mountain this steep cannot be deemed safe unless there is constant vigilance with regard to the dropping of sand and salt on icy or slick areas," said the senators, who called for the creation of the Avon Mountain Accident Task Force back in August.

"Senator Harris and I called for the formation of the task force so that short term as well as long term measures would be implemented to ensure that everything possible was being done to improve the safety of travel on the mountain," said Sen. Herlihy . "Many measures have been implemented or will be implemented and on behalf of our constituents who routinely travel Rt. 44 we are thankful."

The senators said that they want to be advised as to the steps DOT will take to ensure the safety of the roadway, especially during the winter months.