Of the many winter traditions around the Ohio Valley, there’s one that I think we’d all like to see less of — traffic crashes on Two-Mile Hill along Interstate 70 in Ohio County. Long a problem spot on I-70 near The Highlands, we were reminded of just how much of a problem it could be on Monday, when a tractor trailer overturned on the curve at the bottom of the hill, choking traffic there for several hours.

Thankfully, no one was hurt. The driver was able to walk away. Yet not every crash victim has been so fortunate over the years. In that area, injuries and deaths have occurred.

And it’s not like Ohio County officials aren’t doing what they can in that spot. Ohio County Sheriff’s deputies patrol there. The county has added an anti-slip material to the roadway. And there are other warnings.

“We say to slow down,” said Lou Vargo, Ohio County EMA Director. “We have electronic signs both ways informing about slippery conditions. But with good old gravity, that’s a lot of weight coming down there.”

It’s simple. That area is treacherous. It always has been treacherous. In the end, it’s up to motorists to make sure the crashes come to a minimum.

Obey the speed limit, especially around the turn at the bottom. Be aware of motorists merging onto I-70 from The Highlands on-ramp. Don’t weave through traffic in that area. And if there is a crash, slow down around the site so first responders can do their jobs safely.

Let’s try to make this winter one without turmoil and tragedy in that area.