Snow piles become driving obstacles

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) - Driving was very difficult during the storm, but even though the snow is being cleared, drivers are still having problems.

That big thing is the large snow piles that are creating barriers, making it hard to see while you're driving.

"You're taking your life into your own hands trying to get out in the streets," said Kevin O’Conner of West Springfield.

Snowy mounds on either side of the road are making for some dangerous driving conditions.

"The banks are so high everyone has just got to take their time and merge in slowly," said Tony Mercieri of Monson.

Residential neighborhoods are particularly tough to get around, where these snow mounds are so high that you have to edge out into the traffic to see.

"The corners of the street are built up so you kind of stick your nose out there and take your chances, but it's a BIT dicey," said Jeff Lachapelle of West Springfield.

Snow piles around western Massachusetts in many neighborhoods are so high that as cars come around the road it's very difficult for them to see what other cars are coming, especially at high speeds.

22NEWS observed difficulties on major interstates where snow piles block your view when you're trying to merge with oncoming traffic.

"You're worried about not being hit by people racing by you on the highway as well as people racing up behind you because they don’t' know why you're slowing down," said O’Conner.

Mass DOT advises using extreme caution merging and yielding onto highways and reducing speed at on and off ramps with a safe distance between you and the car in front.