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by Austin Long
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JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WJAC) — As temperatures drop and leaves begin to fall, a few autumnal safety concerns are being raised.
As we progress through the fall season, something so common as falling leaves can present themselves as a major roadway hazard, if under the right conditions.
Dead leaves and cut grass on the road can already cause issues, but when water is added to the equation, it only enhances the risks.
A layer of wet leaves on the roadway can almost act like a sheet of ice when driving, preventing ample time to slow down or stop.
Generally, anything on the roadway that prohibits your tires from making direct contact with the roadway can cause problems while driving.
It's something we don't often think about when driving but it can cause disaster if not paid attention to.
Speaking of wet leaves, storm drains are an important part of keeping our streets from flooding, as they allow excess rainwater to empty off the roadway, and become essential especially in a downpour.
With leaves falling, they can often accumulate on and in storm drains, leading to water backup and potentially causing flooding onto the roadway.
We spoke with Johnstown Fire Chief Jim McCann, who shared some tips on how to handle these issues.
“Give yourself that extra time, paying attention to the roadways, keeping a safe distance between cars, anticipating what's gonna happen in front of you. The leaves on the roadways can cause a lot of issues. We ask people not to blow leaves in the roadway, just like during the summer, we ask you not to blow grass clippings in the roadways.”
McCann adds that if you have a fire hydrant along or nearby your property, to not blow leaves onto it. He also says that if you have a storm drain in front of your property, you can help by clearing debris off of it.