Now that winter is fully upon us, it is important to be reminded of a few things in regards to snow removal and
winter driving:
1. Highway agencies spend a considerable amount of tax money to ensure the roads are cleared in an
efficient manner after snow and ice events. Snow removal efforts do not guarantee bare or dry roads.
The cost to provide these conditions would far outstrip what most tax payers would be willing to pay.
Even when bare roads can be obtained, weather conditions such as wind and rapidly dropping
temperatures can alter highway conditions dramatically from one area to the next. The best course of
action for anyone traveling during the winter months is to adjust your driving to meet the conditions
present.
2. "Slick Roads Cause Accidents" is often a frequent newspaper headline during the winter months. The
truth is that slick roads may contribute to an accident but they are not the sole cause of accidents.
Accidents are generally caused by drivers who fail to drive appropriately for winter conditions. Sections
l180(a) and 1180(e) of the Vehicle and Traffic law state that "No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed
greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential
hazards then existing." Accepted safe winter driving practices include, but are not limited to, slower
driving, increased braking distance and increased vehicle separation. Following these guidelines will
significantly reduce your chances of being involved in an accident on slick roads.
3. During and after snow events, highway agencies, in the course of plowing, receive phone calls regarding
damage to mailboxes, either from snow plows directly or from the force of snow being thrown by plows.
If such damage is indeed caused by snow removal, it is not done intentionally. It is, however, an
unfortunate consequence of snow removal. As far as the particular agencies replacing damaged
mailboxes, it must be pointed out that there is no statutory or legal authority requiring them to do so. In
fact, under Section 319 of the New York State Highway Law, mailboxes are considered highway
obstructions and are only "allowed" in the right-of-way as a convenience to the owner as it is understood
they are required for mail delivery. Additionally, an opinion issued by theAttomey General on February
28, 1966 stated, "When the necessity of keeping the highway open conflicts with an individual's
reception of the mail, the later must stand aside." Highway crews do their best to avoid mailboxes, but
often times visibility, oncoming traffic and heavy snow work against them. The best method to protect
your mailbox during the winter months is to ensure it is properly attached to the post and to keep the
mailbox assembly simple to limit impact surface are for plowed snow.
David Becker
Lewis County Highway Superintendent
Don Cook Highway Superintendent
Town of Pinckney
587 County Route 194
Copenhagen, NY 13626
