GPD Warn Piles of Leaves Can Be Slippery, Hide Potholes, Attract Children

In Greenwich, leaf collection is provided on public streets only in zones R-20 (1/2 acre) and below.

Two collections are provided in each leaf collection pick up section. Residents may place loose leaves at the curb, or may place leaves in Biodegradable Paper Bags at the curb for collections. Please be aware that plastic bags filled with leaves will NOT be collected.

Greenwich Police warn that when leaves accumulate on the roadway and become wet, they can get extremely slippery, making the driving conditions similar to driving on ice.

If the temperature drops below freezing, the wet leaves will freeze and turn into dangerous icy leaves on the roadway. Besides reducing the car’s traction, causing skidding and the possibility of losing control of the vehicle, leaves often cover the painted road markings, making it difficult to know the locations of the lanes.

• Slow down if you are driving on a road covered with leaves, especially when driving around turns.

• Allow yourself plenty of room to stop in an emergency. Keep a greater distance between you and the car in front of you.

• Leaves make it difficult to see potholes and bumps in the road.

• A pile of leaves raked to the side of the road is an inviting place to a child. Children enjoy jumping into the leaf piles or burrowing down into them and hiding. Never drive through a leaf pile. Use caution going around turns and where children are playing.

• Keep your windshield leaf free to avoid wet leaves getting stuck under the windshield wiper blades.

• In order to avoid the possibility of a fire hazard from the exhaust system or catalytic