While most of us think of the removal of snow from the Riverside roads as a convenience factor allowing for our daily routines to be just that (routine), there are far more important and appreciated benefits to snow removal.
The number one and most important benefit to removing the snow and ice from Riverside roads is the safety of commuters. A case study in Iowa determined that during severe winter weather events, accidents increased by 1,300 percent as the level of traffic volume decreased by roughly 29 percent on just one 30 mile section of road. Under snowy conditions, the State of Washington found that the frequency of crashes was five times higher than when the roads were clear.
Whether you’re expecting groceries on the shelves of the local store or your morning newspaper on your doorstep on time, another benefit to snow removal in Riverside is the timely delivery of goods and services. If the roadways were not maintained, people delivering these goods would be out of jobs along with most likely some of the people that manufacture them and sell them.
Emergency services vehicles like ambulances and fire trucks are able to respond to events faster and more safely when the winter roads are cleared of snow and ice. Putting out a fire or getting someone to much needed medical attention are opportunities where delays could cost lives.
Snow-shoeing, skiing, snowmobiling and other winter recreations are great ways to spend the cold days of winter. Without well maintained roads though, tourists and outdoors enthusiasts cannot get to the recreations sites. Couple this with antique or collectible shopping, and the always hectic holiday shopping, and you see that roads covered in ice and snow would inhibit many activities and businesses as well.
Snow removal is not an inexpensive undertaking to say the least. The cost of the material put on the road, the cost of the fuel to move the plows and other vehicles, the cost of the labor to pay the people who perform this sometimes thankless task, and other related expenses can be enormous. This can especially be the case during a particularly harsh winter, but as you can see it is worth the cost – and then some.
