Snow doesn’t just mean snowmen, snowball fights, and tobogganing fun; it can also quickly become a danger for pedestrians on sidewalks. We have collected six helpful tips for clearing snow.
Can I Use Road Salt?
Too much salt pollutes the groundwater and harms animals and plants in earth development. Therefore, many municipalities prohibit road salt or only allow it in dangerous places such as ramps or stairs or when the ice is extremely slippery. If in doubt, ask the city or municipality what is allowed.
Our tip for clearing snow: Scattering is more effective than sweeping, but you don’t always have to use road salt. Sand, grit, and granulate have proven themselves as alternative litter materials.
When Does The Snow Have To Be Cleared?
The respective clearing and spreading times are usually either in the state law or in the local statutes. If nothing is specifically regulated there, sidewalks must be accessible on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays and public holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. In the case of heavy and recurring snowfall, you have to go out several times a day and, at the latest, within an hour after each snowfall has ended. And if black ice is announced for the night, it is not allowed to wait until the following day, but it has to be spread preventively.
Compensation: If Someone Slips
If a pedestrian slips on an unsurfaced or uncleared sidewalk and injures himself, the health insurance company will contact the person responsible for evacuation. However, private liability insurance takes over if the injured party claims compensation for pain and suffering. However, if the insured person still does not scatter after several accidents, he loses his insurance cover and has to pay for the damage himself. But even pedestrians have to be careful and cannot expect the paths to be completely free of ice.
Interesting Facts For Drivers
For drivers, wintertime means laborious shoveling and scratching before they can drive to work. Under no circumstances pour hot water over the panes! Ice scrapers and hand brushes should be made of a soft material to avoid scratches. A small shovel that can also be found in the trunk is good. It is best to cover the car window with a standard tarp or a cardboard box the evening before.
If the windows are then free, switch on the air conditioning when starting your journey. It prevents the windows from fogging up in cold, damp weather. Briefly, using the air conditioning system costs less energy than heating the rear window or the blower. The lights must also be clear, and there should not be a thick blanket of snow on the car roof. When you brake, it quickly blocks your view.
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