Ice And Snow Removal – Driveways And Walkways

Removing ice and snow from driveways and walkways regularly is important. If you wait, a thick layer of ice can form and make it harder to remove later. Additionally, leaving snow and ice to buildup on driveways or walkways creates a safety risk for falling when walking to your house or getting into and out of vehicles in your driveway. It is also easier to maintain a driveway or walkway rather than waiting until several inches of snow have built up.

Salt can be helpful with keeping ice and snow off driveways and walkways but can be dangerous to pets and the environment. Additionally, some temperatures are simply too cold for ice to work. Before purchasing ice, read the label to make sure it is safe for your area and lifestyle. Consider pets, plants or greenery under the snow that may be affected and wildlife. Salt can attract wildlife to your walkway and put your family in danger.

Fire Hydrants

If you have a fire hydrant on your property, take the time to remove the ice and snow around it. If there is an emergency, firefighters do not want to deal with removing snow before being able to assist with a fire. In some areas of Alaska, the area surrounding fire hydrants is handled by the borough. If you notice hydrants are not being maintained, take initiative to report it. If the fire hydrant is on your property, spend the extra time to clear the ice and snow from the surrounding area. Be careful not to damage the hydrant.

Look Up

ice and snow can accumulate around doorways and roofs. If you notice ice crystals forming, consider removing ice from overhead to avoid falling ice when temperatures warm up. It is also important to keep an eye on the snow building up on roofs. Too much snow accumulation can fall and hurt someone or cause other damage.

If you are unable to remove ice and snow yourself at your home, consider calling a professional before too much builds up. During peak winter months, it can take days for someone to come out and remove snow. If you are visiting family or friends and are injured at their home, you may need to contact an attorney to discuss potential claims.

Ice And Snow Removal – Windshields

Cleaning off your vehicle before driving down the road is imperative to keeping Alaskan roads safe. Ice and snow often builds up on windshields and needs to be cleaned off before driving. If you store your vehicle outside, lift wipers so they do not stick to the windshield.

Be cautious of how you defrost windshields and plan ahead. It is best to let your car warm up for five minutes before turning the defroster on in the vehicle. Letting your car warm up allows the internal temperature to gradually raise so the windshield does not crack.

Defrost windshields correctly to avoid cracking. It is best to let your vehicle warm up for at least five minutes before turning the defroster on. If you have auto start, turn the defroster to the “off” position before leaving the vehicle. Using the defroster in a cold car may cause the windshield to crack. Pouring hot water onto a windshield may also cause the windshield to break.

Windows

While the car is warming up, use a scraper to clean off other windows and glass. It is important to be able to see out of the vehicle while driving. It is also the law in Alaska. Ice buildup blocks the drivers view and causes safety concerns. Wear gloves when you are removing ice from windows and glass to avoid frost bite.

Snow and Ice Removal

Before driving down the road, remove ice and snow from your vehicle. Snow can blow off while driving and cause a motor vehicle accident. Remember, if you push snow right off your vehicle, large piles may make it more difficult to drive away. Move snow to an area away from regular traffic rather than pushing it straight to the ground. Always wear gloves when cleaning off vehicles as cold snow and ice can be cold and dangerous to your skin.

It is important to remove snow and ice from vehicles to keep Alaskan roads safe. Please do your part by properly cleaning your vehicle before driving.

This piece on Removing Ice and Snow Safely is the eighth of a nine-part winter safety series. See our safety tips for Outdoor Winter Walking Safety; Keeping Kids Safe and Warm; Heating Your Home; Cold Weather Vehicle Safety; Driving in Ice and Snow; Snowmachine Safety; and Surviving Extreme Cold.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law, P.C. to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Sources: Alaska Administrative Code; Family Handyman; Angi.com

Image Source: Family Handyman

Ice and Snow Driving – Be Prepared

Slow down when driving in ice and snow. It is much harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. Always remember that you are not the only one on the road. Avoid hard breaks and never speed into turns. Drivers should work to give snowplows, large trucks, and emergency vehicles even more space than normal.

Also, at the beginning of declining temperatures, drivers should ensure that they have the proper tires for ice and snow driving. Items such as tires, batteries, brakes, and headlights should all be inspected when driving in ice and snow. Further, drivers should check that they have de-icing windshield wiper fluid, as well as new wiper blades.

Lastly, be prepared for any ice and snow driving emergency. The temperatures during winter can drop to a staggering -40° F. If you are stranded in these temperatures it is of paramount importance that you have a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle. Items such as jumper cables, tow straps and flashlights are a definite must. Also, all vehicles should have extra blankets and water, as well as both tool and first aid kits.

If You Drive In Ice And Snow

Many experts, including those with AAA, advise drivers to be out on the roads only if absolutely necessary. If you must drive in ice and snow, never leave without at least a half tank of gas. Drivers should always avoid using cruise control or cellular devices – stay alert.

In an ice and snow driving emergency, whether it be an accident, or your car has stalled on the road, remember to stay calm. Call 911, AAA, or a tow truck. Also, you should stay with your car, try not to overexert yourself and stay warm. Next, if you have any reflectors or hazard lights, ensure they are visible to passing driver. Finally, be very mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning; check that your exhaust pipe is clear of any obstructions and avoid running your car for long periods of time with the windows up.

Pass Safely When Driving In Ice And Snow

It is best not to pass when driving in ice and snow. If you must pass, do so safely. Never pass on the right side. Pass slowly and in a safe passing zone. The driver you are passing – while driving in ice and snow – may have difficulty seeing and may not be aware that you are passing until you are in front of their vehicle. Leave extra space when passing to accommodate for slippery conditions and low visibility.

Snow Plows

Ice and snow driving is a constant during the Alaskan winters but may contribute to unsafe road conditions. As snow and ice builds up on the roads, snow removal becomes a priority. Snowplows are used for snow removal and make Alaskan roads safer for everyone. There are a few things to know however when sharing the roads with snowplows.

Practice Patience When Driving In Ice and Snow

Snowplows travel at slow speeds to do their job properly. It is important to be patient when following a snowplow to ensure you do not cause or get into an accident. When driving in ice and snow, allow yourself extra time to arrive at your destination just in case roads are being plowed on your travel path. Leave a safe distance between you and the snowplow to accommodate for sudden stops, snow buildup and other unexpected issues. Snow clouds may form behind the snowplow and impair your visibility.

Pay Attention

Snowplow drivers have difficulty seeing and need to drive slowly to ensure they do not wreck into someone or something else. It is up to you to pay attention to the surroundings. Snowplows focus on pushing snow to the right side of the road, making passing on the right incredibly dangerous. Pass slowly and in a safe passing zone. Plows can sometimes hit drifts or other things buried in the snow and move sideways, causing concerns.

Snow builds up around the snowplow and can cause accidents for distracted or impatient drivers. Remember that snowplows remove snow on the roads but may leave the roads still slick from ice buildup under the snow. Stay especially cautious of ice on bridges and overpasses.

Snowplows are very important to ice and snow driving safety but do require patience on the roads. Many accidents each year involve snowplows. Please be a responsible driver, watch for these vehicles and exercise caution.

If you must be out on the roads, please be safe, be prepared and be aware. This piece on Driving In Ice and Snow is the sixth of a nine-part winter safety series. See our safety tips for Outdoor Winter Walking Safety; Keeping Kids Safe and Warm; Heating Your Home; Cold Weather Vehicle Safety; Snowmachine Safety; Removing Ice and Snow Safely; and Surviving Extreme Cold.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law, P.C. to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Sources: AAA; TerraCare Associates

Image Source: Alaska Public Media