Ever clear a public intersection with your tractor?

[KennyG]

Last year after a really bad storm I cleared my drive and then saw one neighbor (that I know pretty well) trying to clear out the fire hydrant, so I went over and cleared it with the loader. Then I saw another neighbor (that I don't really know) struggling with a shovel on his drive. I asked if he needed help and he kind of said yes, so I cleared the drive in 10 minutes or so. After I left I realized he was very reserved about it because he figured I was going to charge him. People just don't expect neighborly behavior these days.

 

[CobyRupert]

Claiming people would sue because the intersection WAS cleared of snow is absurd.

 

[DuckSlayer1017]

When we lived in town a number of years ago I would plow the sidewalk down the entire block with my quad. Most of the home owners were retirees and appreciated it. I also plowed the neighbors drive because he was deployed in Iraq and it was the least I could do to help his wife. I never even considered the liability, I just did it because that is what good neighbors do. Plus it was a lot of fun since the quad was new

 

[MikePA]

In Maine it's against the law to plow a public road unless contracted to do so. Don't know about your area. Might be something to check.

To me, common sense says it's the right thing to do. But I'd bet you open yourself up to other risks these days. I know last year the news here reported a guy got ticketed for clearing a residential street. It was days after a storm, and the city had never plowed the street. People couldn't get out of the neighborhood. So a guy drops his plow as he drives through to partially open the street and the police ticketed him.

I pretty much agree with others. We have laws to about plowing public roads if not contracted to do so. Not sure why? I assume liability. If I hit a car, mailbox, make a pothole, etc. The blame game can start and people calling to complain to state/local people that may not have been responsible.

Youd be 100% liable if any accident occures. Once you enter and work on public property you have to have commercial coverage

Claiming people would sue because the intersection WAS cleared of snow is absurd.

No one said people would sue. Some people thought you might be liable or be breaking the law.

 

[aczlan]

Claiming people would sue because the intersection WAS cleared of snow is absurd.

They might sue because it wasn't cleared to town specs and they skidded on the spot you missed (or that the town would have salted had they cleared it).

Aaron Z

 

[buckeyefarmer]

This week is 5 yrs since we got 20+" snow. I helped clear out a few driveways, and probably some of the road also. Another neighbor and I both worked on clearing out one of our neighbors long driveway, who's husband was deployed in Afghanistan. This convinced me to get a cab tractor.

 

[Buppies]

People in our area plow the state roads especially if it is a large snow before they( the state) ever get here. Primarily farmers needing to get to their cattle or for the widow who needs to get out. I suppose I live in an area that time forgot

 

[CobyRupert]

No one said people would sue. Some people thought you might be liable or be breaking the law.

Found liable where? By whom? Found liable so they can give him a trophy? Probably not. The implication is clear people are talking about getting sued.
Any examples of someone getting sued because a road is CLEAR of snow in a storm?
-crickets-

 

[dave1949]

The town plow crews keep after the snow pretty decently around here. Snowy roads are just a normal part of living here. Most people understand demanding perfectly clean roads in winter means paying more property taxes; our small town budgets are very transparent.

People do have a responsibility to prepare themselves for what comes every winter by selecting the right vehicles and equipping them as needed. That is part of the deal too.

 

[Garandman]

When we lived in town a number of years ago I would plow the sidewalk down the entire block with my quad. Most of the home owners were retirees and appreciated it. I also plowed the neighbors drive because he was deployed in Iraq and it was the least I could do to help his wife. I never even considered the liability, I just did it because that is what good neighbors do. Plus it was a lot of fun since the quad was new

We have half a dozen people with snow throwers in our neighborhood in Boston, and each of us does a little extra. As a result we had both sidewalks cleared before the last storm finished.

In our old neighborhood a Boston Inspectional Services car stopped me while I was blowing snow to make sure I didn't blow any in the street. I was tempted to say "Have you lost your ******* mind?" But instead I started pointing out the handicap ramps the city contractors had plowed piles onto, drains they'd covered, etc, etc then asked their names - and they couldn't get away fast enough.

 

[JDgreen227]

Appreciate very much that so many members here have contributed an opinion to this thread....I DO try to start threads that I think (or hope) will create differing opinions because to me that is the real purpose of TBN...that we will all learn in some way about what a member has to say and provide input as to whether they agree or disagree about what the OP says. My apologies if my opinions have created dissent.

 

[Ford850]

YOU HIT THAT ONE RIGHT ON THE HEAD !!! It never fails to amaze me how the morons who do NOTHING for others are so quick to crap on those who actually TRY to help someone else. How many of those morons would devote several hours to clearing their neighbors driveways in freezing weather without expecting anything but a simple "thank you"? WHAT A LAUGH.

Remember there are 3 kinds of people: Those who make things happen, those who watch what is happening, and those who wondered what happened. I bet 99% of the naysayers here who are quick to condemn me are those who watch things happen and those who wonder what happened.

I don't think anyone meant to belittle you. I think we have been giving you some real examples of what could happen, and others giving examples of how crazy our society has become. I think the biggest risk is if someone hit you, or you hit them, while clearing the road. But that can happen any time we drive on the road. As far as other liability, I think it depends on your community. Good ones will welcome your help. You can see from stories on here, there are some neighbors more interested in finding fault than thanking someone for help. If I were you, and had good neighbors, I would be clearing the road and the neighbors' drives.

 

[deerseeker001]

I have to agree.

They might sue because it wasn't cleared to town specs and they skidded on the spot you missed (or that the town would have salted had they cleared it).

Aaron Z

 

[JDgreen227]

I don't think anyone meant to belittle you. I think we have been giving you some real examples of what could happen, and others giving examples of how crazy our society has become. I think the biggest risk is if someone hit you, or you hit them, while clearing the road. But that can happen any time we drive on the road. As far as other liability, I think it depends on your community. Good ones will welcome your help. You can see from stories on here, there are some neighbors more interested in finding fault than thanking someone for help. If I were you, and had good neighbors, I would be clearing the road and the neighbors' drives.

I HAVE GREAT NEIGHBORS and know most of them and they appreciate my help. Which is why I try to help them with no expectation of compensation except to KNOW they appreciate it.

 

[Buppies]

I HAVE GREAT NEIGHBORS and know most of them and they appreciate my help. Which is why I try to help them with no expectation of compensation except to KNOW they appreciate it.

Here here great attitude if more felt that way the world would be a better place

 

[grsthegreat]

I live on dirt roads, so dont have to worry about clearing any paths. i do so as i want.

I also carry a full commercial coverage for the tractor...mainly cause i use the thing to deliver and set whole house generators. That, and a $4,000,000 umbrella policy leaves me covered in case any jack*** tries to sue me.

Mine you, in all these years no one has ever tried that. But now days everyone tries to sue as they see that as a way to become wealthy. Just look at all those stupid lawyer commercials..."Have you ever taken an aspirin and still had a headache. we can get you millions. just call the law firm of schister and sons. blah blah blah.

heck they run these commercials during the daytime to catch the lazy sacks that dont want to work....oh wait...i didnt work today.

never mind.

 

[MikePA]

Found liable where? By whom? Found liable so they can give him a trophy? Probably not. The implication is clear people are talking about getting sued.
Any examples of someone getting sued because a road is CLEAR of snow in a storm?
-crickets-

The people I quoted offered explanations for their opinions. You disagree. That's what a discussion forum is about. Do it without belittling others.

 

[dave1949]

Not road plowing, but a good example of people getting sued for a good deed. Judging by the Ron Paul sign, they are good Libertarians too. Even for a baseless suit, it will cost money to defend yourself, not to mention the headaches.

Owners of Bass Harbor restaurant destroyed in 2013 blaze sue firefighters

 

[MossRoad]

Welcome to the new right to work state Michissippi,PURE MICHIGAN.Less wages means less tax base to fix our infrastructure.

Michigan has lousy roads because they spend almost the least amount on them compared to the other 50 states... they rank something like 47th in the nation on road spending. Less wages means less tax base, yes, but Michigan doesn't get its road funding from income tax. Check page 6 of this report on Michigan's road funding. Virtually none of the road funds come from income tax. It comes from fuel tax and vehicle registration tax.

http://www.micountyroads.org/PDF/Twp_funding.pdf

Why is this a concern of mine? I also live in a right to work state just south of you.

 

[MossRoad]

..... I bet 99% of the naysayers here who are quick to condemn me are those who watch things happen and those who wonder what happened.

I read the entire thread. I can't find a single condemnation of your actions (which were commendable, by the way :thumbsup. I found many concerned that you'd be opening yourself up to a lawsuit or legal trouble, but zero condemnations.