Even as many roads are cleared of snow and travel becomes easier for cars and trucks, snow can still endanger drivers and pedestrians. Office of Highway Safety officials remind the public that just because snow is no longer falling, it still presents its own set of problems that often are overlooked as people experience the relief that comes with sunshine and a clear view of black asphalt.
Initially, it is very important that before starting to drive, each person clears snow off the hoods, roofs and trunks of vehicles.
“We have seen some cars on roadways with snow several inches thick on their roofs and that snow poses a danger to other drivers if it comes flying off and into the windshields of other vehicles on the roads,” saidAndrea Summers, spokesperson for the Office of Highway Safety
All throughout the day on Sunday, cars stopping at the entrance to The Circle in Georgetown hit the brakes only to have large chunks of snow slide suddenly down the windshield.
The heavy snowfall that Delaware experienced Friday and Saturday also poses problems once it is plowed and pushed aside from roads. As people start to venture out over the next few days, they need to realize that there will be limited visibility at crossovers and on corners due to snow piled up from the roadways.
All drivers are urged to please proceed slowly and with caution when their view is obstructed by snow mounds.
Pedestrians also may experience inconvenience and maybe be put in harm’s way as they try to navigate around town on foot.
Summers said, “Please tell people we understand many sidewalks are not cleared, but that doesn't mean they should walk in the roadway. Better to stay home!”
If it is absolutely necessary to walk along the edge of a road, pedestrians should always walk facing traffic.
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