Stay safe on city streets

Weather forecasts for late this week are calling for the first major winter storm for the area, with either lots of ice or snow - or both - expected.

With a little help from residents, the city’s Public Maintenance crews will be able to make the streets of Eaton safer during ice and snow events.

City of Eaton Public Maintenance Supervisor Daniel Gray offers the following tips for residents to remember as the possibility for the first heavy accumulating snow of the year approaches: 

•Remove objects near the road which could be struck during snow and ice removal, such as basketball poles, bicycles, etc.
•Do not pass a snowplow unless it is absolutely necessary.
•Allow plenty of stopping distance; don’t follow plow trucks too closely. This also reduces the chances of loose material hitting your vehicle.
•Keep headlights on low beam.
•Never assume that the snowplow operator can see you. Plows have blind spots that reduce side and rear visibility.
•Don’t push snow from your driveway into the roadway. This can create a danger to motorists. Pile snow to the left side of your drive as you face your house, specifically when clearing near the road. This will prevent the plow from dragging the pile across your driveway apron.
•Park vehicles in your driveway when possible. This allows the crews to clear the entire roadway from curb to curb.

Following these instructions “will allow for safe, timely and effective removal of ice and snow from city streets,” Gray said.