Keep shoveling that snow, Carson City

For the second time this winter, it's worth reminding Carson City residents of their responsibility to shovel snow from the sidewalks in front of their homes and businesses.

It's a matter of courtesy. It's potentially a matter of liability. Most of all, though, it's a matter of safety - especially for the thousands of schoolchildren who had to make their way back to their classrooms this week.

Even though we see that most people are doing the job and realize some people are on vacation or simply aren't physically able to do their own shoveling, all it takes is a few laggards in a block to send small children slipping and sliding into the streets.

Add to that the treacherous condition of our roads right now, and we're afraid there is a tragedy in the making.

Frankly, we haven't been impressed by the job of snowplows on many of the streets in Carson City, either. Major thoroughfares were opened quickly. Several arteries were also plowed soon after the major snowfall.

But we've seen and heard of far too many examples of busy streets that have barely gotten a scrape from the blades. And side streets? Some are dry. Some haven't been touched. We're a bit baffled by the priorities.

Too many motorists also seem to have been afflicted by a winter-driving disease that renders them incapable of using common sense when the roads are icy. This is probably the best time to slow down, be extra cautious and come to a full stop at intersections - not the opposite.

We don't want to sound too much like nags, because we also see people who are playing it safe and we know the people in our neighborhoods who have been shoveling sidewalks for their elderly neighbors. Bless them.

But for everybody's sake - and that includes the people who deliver your mail, the folks who bring your Nevada Appeal and emergency crews who respond to the ill and injured - cleared sidewalks, driveways and streets help prevent accidents and keep us all safe.

The next snowstorm, by the way, is right around the corner.