The loss of 16-year old Zeke Kassel is a terrible tragedy. I continue to be upset and disturbed even though I did not have the privilege of knowing this fine young man. Safe to say that a number of things conspired to create the events surrounding Zeke's loss. Not that it was the only cause, but let's not deny the hazards of the road via which Shelburne students must travel to their high school in Hinesburg. The Shelburne-Hinesburg Road is pretty much the only way there for most Shelburne students. Yet, this is a road with alignment problems, including the bend at which this particular accident occurred. Also, this is a road which does not seem to be maintained particularly well during winter by the Town of Hinesburg. In my family's daily experience on this road, the Hinesburg portion of the road lacks reasonable plowing and salt treatment during the morning commute. This is particularly noticeable when traveling from Shelburne to Hinesburg. Is it possible that a young driver did not recognize that he had crossed the town line and was now encountering worsened road conditions? Possibly compounded by the fact that this particular bend curves left and downward at the same time and is very hazardous in icy conditions even with the best of tires and vehicles? I implore the Town of Hinesburg to consider realignment of this bend or addition of a guardrail on the outside of the bend. Additionally, please increase road salt treatment and plowing on both sides of this roadway prior to the morning commute in wintertime. We cannot afford to lose another precious young person.    

Robert J. Donahue, Shelburne