Special snowplow "danger" letter, 12/17/07

[David]

Reckless snowplow in Wallingford
Editor:
The thought that I might have been severely injured or killed by a snowplow prompts me to submit this letter as a warning to readers who shovel or snow-throw their driveways. I also hope that municipal employees who drive plows will listen to my story:

At dusk on Thursday, December 13, while I was at the foot of my driveway -- almost in the path of a Wallingford Public Works snowplow which I did not hear over the noise of my snow-thrower -- a sudden and unexpected spray of snow thrown from the truck's plow struck me. Even though I was wearing a bright red jacket, it is possible that the driver did not see me (which is hard to believe, inasmuch as it was not snowing, it was not dark, and, I presume, the truck's lights were on).

I believe that the driver saw me, was oblivious to possibilities for my behavior when he passed me, and continued barreling by me without warning or slowing.

Wake up, driver, whoever you are! Exercise a code of caring. Be keenly aware of people in your path. Imagine what their behavior might be (hearing truck approaching, or not hearing it?) and what their next movements might be, whether into a dangerous or safe place. Slow down! Lean on the horn! Alter the truck's path! If necessary, stop the truck and make sure that people go to a safe place! (Elmwood Road in Wallingford is not a NASCAR race track and snowplowing it is not a sporting event.)

Finally, I've been awakened by the incident: wear a safety vest -- frequently look for approaching snow plows, remove snow during daylight, assume that snowplow drivers are more intent on plowing than on protecting the public.
ALFRED MUELLER, WALLINGFORD

[eds]

Not only would a snowblower obstruct ones hearing, but a person who might be deaf may never hear the plow coming. The plow driver should be more aware of people who might be hit by hard ice balls and be injured. Some plow drivers think its fun to pummel someone with snow. Would it also be fun to put stop sticks in the road next time the plow comes? I don't think so and neither would the plow.

Let's just be a little more courteous shall we?

[rapuda]

I had this happen to me once. I was shoveling the public sidewalk in the day time and the plow came by and launched snow at me while also covering my sidewalk. I was so angry I launched my shovel at the truck. I called to complain and was told the trucks need to be going a certain speed in order to clear the curb.
That was the only time it happened in the many years I've been in Wallingford. For the most part, the plows do a very good job in this town. Every profession has people in it that don't do the right thing. Plow drivers are no exception.

[Fit 2 Print]

I have a neighbor who's 89. She still goes out and shovels her sidewalk (she'll accept help, but seems to actually prefer doing it for the exercise).
Still, she's very hard of hearing and rather frail. I wonder if she'd recover should a large city plow throw an "avalanche" at her... It makes me sad, and a bit worried, too.