April 14, 2008
It's a spot Arab emergency response personnel know well.  A short stretch of Sundown Drive NW near the Brookside Golf Club which accounts for a large percentage of wreck calls.  Drivers are often caught unaware of the dangers of the road which curves just as drivers crest a small hill.  The road is especially treacherous when wet.  Vehicle after vehicle has ended up in the ravine on the right side of the road, usually after taking out a section of guard rail.  Wes Ponder was the latest driver to experience the road's treachery. He crashed his pickup around 7:30 Monday morning.  Ponder was transported to Marshall Medical Center North with minor injuries according to Arab Fire Chief Ricky Phillips.

Steve Hallman, Arab Street Department Director, recently told the Arab City Council that wrecks take out the guard rails almost as fast as they can replace them.  Hallman said a portion of the guard rail has been replaced three times within the past few months.  Hallman said the road needs to be straightened and the grade reduced to correct the problem.