WEST SENECA, N.Y. (WKBW) — As if driving through the snow was not challenging enough, snowbanks several feet high are now obstructing drivers views following the significant lake effect snow in parts of the Western New York region.
Drivers tell 7 News' Pheben Kassahun it has been kind of hit or miss when it comes to being able to see over the snowbanks.
An expert shared how drivers can keep themselves and others safe while on the road as the daily commute for has turned into a game of "peak-a-boo."
"It's kind of been a hit or miss of 'Can you see over this bank? Can you not see over this bank'," Orchard Park resident Keanna McLaughlin said.
Kassahun spoke with three drivers in the Southtowns during their grocery run to Wegman's who shared it is nothing new, and that it is only a matter of time before a collision happens.
McLaughlin drove in from Orchard Park explained the roads are getting better but there are still some big mounds out there, adding an extra layer to an already tricky, slushy commute.
"It's been nice that this main road, they kind of sheered off the top so you can see when you're getting by and not trying to inch out and possibly getting hit but not all of the roads are like that," McLaughlin added.
"Well, the snow is melting a little bit but in Lackawanna where I live at, they stay up high," Lackawanna resident James Carter shared. "I think they need to get a snow plow to go around and chop them down before there are accidents."
Meanwhile, Noah Harrington-Tenney is not phased by it and shared this just comes with the territory.
Harrington-Tenney said, "It's Buffalo though. You got people flying down the Thruway when there's snow all over it going like 80 and trucks and whatnot."
AAA said drivers should be following three rules while driving on the road:
- Pack your patience.
- Leave extra space in front of you and another car.
- Make a full stop before turning.
AAA Western and Central new York Communications Specialist Mark Gruba told Kassahun over Zoom, "We certainly understand people's frustrations. We've had a lot of snow in a short amount of time, but at the same time, this time of year drivers are going to face a lot of challenges behind the wheel."
Gruba explained the last thing you want to do is guess and hope you are right, then pull into an intersection only to find out there is a car right there.
Gruba said, "The recommendation is come to a complete stop, inch forward slowly. Literally inch forward until you get that view of oncoming traffic and you can make a good decision about when to go and when to stay."
Drive safe, Western New York!
