Driver and Pedestrians Urged to be Careful as City Expects First Snow

The tri-state area is expecting the first significant snowfall of 2012 this weekend. I urge residents of Staten Island and Brooklyn to be careful driving and while walking outside. As the snow begins to fall, and before the salt trucks make it out onto the road, drivers are urged to take caution as the roads may be slippery, causing spinouts and traffic accidents. Allow enough time for you to reach your intended destination, wear a seatlbelt and reduce your speed according to the weather conditions. Gently apply the brakes and dont expect to stop like you would if the streets were dry.

When walking, wear proper shoes as ice can quickly accumulate onto sidewalks, Snow covers holes or broken concrete on the sidewalks, making them hazardous while walking. Broken bones and lower back injuries are all too common when the sidewalk becomes slippery.

Please be careful while driving and walking around your neighborhood tonight and tomorrow night. Snow and ice, especially black ice, and even shoveling, leads to many emergency rooms visits during the winter months. If you can avoid travelling, stay inside and enjoy the snowfall.