Weather is a challenge

After a mild beginning to the traditional winter season in Amherst, Mother Nature has returned to her usual ways, dumping snow on the village. And while the winter wonderland is beautiful to behold, the snow does present challenges for many in the community.

Students returned to school Monday, when the snow was flying furiously. Those who walked to school had little choice but to trudge through snow that had not yet been cleared from sidewalks, and possibly climb over the piles at intersections where the snow plow cast it from the roadways.

We urge residents to clear the sidewalks in front of their homes, including the snow piles at crosswalk areas. And don't forget the bus stop areas, where groups of kids stand to wait for the school bus.

Certainly elderly residents, or those at risk of heart attack, will need help to clear the snow. Perhaps an able bodied neighbor would take a few minutes to clear the snow for them and be rewarded with a mention in a Good Neighbor of the Week submission.

We would urge drivers to slow down on snow and ice. It's easier to explain why you were late than to pull the car out of a ditch, or worse.

Seat belts and air bags might protect the driver and passengers. But a skidding vehicle can easily take out several defenseless students waiting at a bus stop, particularly when they are slipping on the snow to get out of the way.

The highway patrol this year is using the slogan, "Ice and Snow, Take It Slow." This is good advice that can save lives and property damage.

We've been lucky so far this year, but we knew winter weather was coming. Let's all use some common sense while we anticipate the return of warmer weather.