Snow poses danger for disabled man

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The difficult Western Massachusetts winter of 2011 has been especially hard on disabled people.

Since the ice and snow settled in through repeated storms, Rene Roy of West Springfield must maneuver his power chair through a dangerous route to the pharmacy on the other end of the Agawam, West Springfield bridge.

Roy told 22News, he makes frequent trips for his medication and the ice covered walkway doesn't make his ride any easier. And his problems don't end there.

“Yesterday I went to the corner of Dunkin Donuts, came round the bend and hit a snow bank. He didn't see me so I got scared. I just want to get my medicines and go get something at the store,” said Rene Roy.

Roy told 22News, he can't possibly use the uncleared sidewalk to get across the bridge while it's in its current condition.

It's unclear whose responsibility it is to clear the snow off the bridge pedestrian walkway.

When a similar situation occurred at the Presnal bridge in Chicopee, 22News was informed the clean up is the responsibility of the Massachusetts Highway Department.