Winter Warning: Drive with Utmost Care Around Snow Hills

[XLFD]

Winter travel has its own perils to bicyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians, but the wintertime also brings out several other travelers who generally try to steer clear of road use, such as snowmobilers and sliders (those who use saucers, sleds, toboggans etc.).  A quick rule of thumb to use as a motorist when you see either of these next to the roadway (or when you pass a hill used for sledding), is to pay attention to see whether there is a chance that they may enter the roadway and proceed slowly if you do. 

In this manner, you will not have to live with the guilt of causing a death or a debilitating injury that could have been prevented with proper safety precautions.  And there will be one less probably-young victim.  Often sliders will be young and often snowmobilers will be inexperienced, so a little caution is always advised when these are seen near the road.

An accident to learn from just happened down in Grand Rapids.  Gabriel Alflen, 4 years young, went down a slope at Richmond Hill Park, veered off a hill, crossed Richmond Street, and was hit by a car.  The boy was taken to the hospital, where his family said he’s being treated for broken ribs, bruised lungs, a contusion on his spleen, and a concussion.

The driver refused to stop; he hit the boy, then sped off.   Police have reportedly found the vehicle, a gold Buick, in Walker but not the driver.

When found, the driver will not only have to face the realization that he may have affected this boys future dramatically (the latest news is that he is recovering), but also felony charges of hit and run. 

The next time you're driving on a road with a sliding hill nearby and plenty of snow on the ground, remember to drive with extreme care.  Not everyone does, as can be witnessed if you go down to the Danaher water tower hill in Ludington and watch people driving down the hill on Staffon Street.  With slick snow, kids can wind up in the street, and yet occasionally you will see cars running at our beyond the speed limit heading south who just aren't paying any attention to what may occur.  Be safe.