Officials in Park Forest are warning drivers that high piles of snow are creating hazardous conditions that are complicating travel.
Ten-foot-high mountains of snow, in some parts of Park Forest, have made visibility at various intersections minimal. Blind corners, where drivers cannot see motorists approaching, have continued to rise as a heavy accumulation of snow has pounded the area this winter. Due to the danger these piles pose, officials are asking drivers and residents to use extreme caution when approaching particularly high snow piles at intersections.
“This winter is just snowfall, after snowfall, after snowfall,” said Director of Public Works Roderick Ysaguirre.
Public Works staff members caution parents that high piles of snow are dangerous for children. A child falling from a snow pile, as high as those seen in many parts of Park Forest, can come with serious injury. Snow piles closer to the street can be even more dangerous to children due to oncoming traffic. Parents are also urged to prevent children from creating tunnels and caves in high snow piles, which can collapse and trap the child inside.
Road crews have pushed snow back as far as possible in some areas which may lead to sidewalks being blocked. Motorists are asked to be aware of pedestrians or children walking near the street if the sidewalks are blocked by snow.
Ysaguirre urges drivers to, “proceed with caution at any intersection and be mindful of the other motorists and sight restrictions. Stay safe, stay alert, and be cautious.”
If motorists observe a pile of snow that needs to be reduced to improve visibility, they are asked to contact the Public Works Department at 708-503-7702.
