EDITORIAL: Failure to clear sidewalks can have consequences

Vermillion officially had its first winter weather of the year in the form of freezing rain. Following winter weather, it is essential to remove snow and ice from sidewalks in order to avoid fines, injuries and possible legal action.

Homeowners are typically responsible for snow and ice removal on the sidewalks adjacent to their property, however many leases stipulate that renters are responsible for sidewalk upkeep. That means if you don’t live in the dormitories or in apartments in Vermillion, you are probably responsible for maintaining at least one sidewalk.

The penalties for failing to remove snow and ice from sidewalks can be costly. Vermillion city ordinance 96.12 states that snow and ice must be removed within 24 hours following snowfall or freezing rain. Failure to do so can result in up to a $500 fine, and the city will remove the snow or ice for you and charge you for it.

The ordinance even specifically mentions the expectation for freezing rain: “When freezing rain has resulted in frozen ice upon the sidewalk making it impossible to remove, the person in charge shall sprinkle or spread some suitable material upon the sidewalk to prevent the sidewalk from being slippery and dangerous to pedestrian travel.”

That means when the sidewalk can’t be shoveled because the snow or ice is stuck to the sidewalk, you must put salt, gravel, sand or some other appropriate traction-creating material on the sidewalk.

Beside the potential fines, the ordinance also says that the person responsible for maintaining the sidewalk shall be held liable for any damages caused by the failure or neglect to remove snow or ice.

This means if someone falls on your sidewalk because you didn’t clear it, that person can sue you for any damages they suffer as a result. Broken bones, damaged property or even death can occur due to slips and falls.

It can be a hassle to go out in the cold, windy and snowy conditions to clear the sidewalk. The amount of hassle that occurs should you fail to clear the sidewalk — whether that hassle is from the city or from someone who has been injured on your sidewalk — far outweighs the inconvenience of clearing the sidewalk.

Buy a shovel, buy salt or sand and wear a coat and gloves, and do your municipally-required duty. Keep your sidewalks clear so everyone can have a safe winter weather season.