During Rochester’s harsh winters, it’s imperative for drivers to exercise caution on our notoriously slick roadways. While Americans drive their passenger cars and trucks just over 10,000 miles each year, even experienced motorists need to slow down when snow and ice start to cover the streets. But even in inclement weather, drivers can often still travel with the confidence of knowing they’re able to get where they’re trying to go. The same cannot always be said for people with disabilities.
If you take the proper precautions when driving and stay off the roads during major weather advisories, you can be reasonably sure you’ll be safe — even if you’re not traveling in one of the 100,000 armored and bulletproof vehicles that are operated worldwide. But pedestrians aren’t always so protected. That’s especially true when you’re a pedestrian with physical disabilities. If you’ve never had mobility issues, you may fail to realize just how inaccessible the city can be.
Most U.S. cities are not designed to accommodate people with disabilities, so those accessibility issues are further compounded in the winter. For example, many municipalities have no designated agency responsible for clearing all sidewalks; instead, this responsibility may be split among several agencies and private citizens (regardless of whether they rent or own their homes). This often leaves people with disabilities with an inability to leave their homes or traverse even nearby sidewalks. If there’s more than an inch of snow on the ground, those who use wheelchairs or mobility aids may not be able to get around at all if they can’t afford to hire help or their neighbors fail to do their due diligence. College campuses don’t even meet necessary snow removal standards for students and visitors with disabilities, in some cases. And considering that the Rochester area will often be covered with half a foot of snow at any given time over the next few months, that means major problems in terms of accessibility.
It’s also worth noting that many people with disabilities drive — and rely on accessible parking spaces, which may end up being the resting place for plowed or piled-up snow. Those who are blind or visually impaired may also have to deal with the nearly impossible task of determining whether their usual routes will be clear when the snow starts to fall. And while clearing city streets is often seen as a necessity, making sure cities remain walkable becomes less of a priority when the temperatures start to fall. This suggests that attitudes, in addition to policies, need to change so that all residents can gain equal access.
For now, the onus typically falls on individuals to ensure they’re prepared for winter weather and the challenges that come along with it. It’s recommended that people with disabilities take their time when traveling, wear lots of layers, plan ahead for emergencies, carry a cell phone, and register for any medical or social programs offered by the community. Even if you don’t have to feed your pets, carrying kitty litter in your car can help to clear icy ramps as rock salt can be harmful to service animals. Ultimately, these tips won’t solve accessibility issues — but they will ensure that you’ll be better protected if the worst should occur. If you do not have a physical disability, do your part to ensure nearby walkways are clear and that the voices of vulnerable populations are heard and prioritized.
