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Snow-Lined Roads Risky for Fairfield Walkers

It takes a brave soul to walk along Fairfield’s streets these days. With the snow from two major storms lining the roads, there’s less room for cars and pedestrians to share. But some, like Michelle Tortora, don’t have much choice. Her Australian shepherd Eddie needs walking at least twice a day, so Michelle has to make her way up the road despite cars whizzing past.

“The sidewalks aren’t very good. They don’t really exist right now,” Michelle says. “But I’ve still got to get him out.”

Michelle and other walkers face an interesting dilemma. She says side streets are narrower and provide less room than major roads like Reef Road, where we caught up with her and Eddie. But as streets become clearer, drivers get bolder and go faster.

Dan Maldonado faces that problem every day, perhaps more than anyone in Fairfield. Maldonado is a letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service. He covers a walking route that takes him along Oldfield Road and toward the beach area.

“It’s a busy street, and it is dangerous,”  Maldonado says of Oldfield. “I just pull up my truck, and put on my hazards, so people can see me.”

Licia Karazulas, who is staying along Dan’s route on Albin Street, knows first-hand how dangerous the roads can be. On Friday, she had a close call with a driver on Ruane Street. She says she saw the car approaching on the narrow street, trying to squeeze by a parked car. Unsure if the driver had enough room to get by both her and the car, Licia darted across the street to avoid him.

“I was a little scared,” Licia said. “That car came very close, and I didn’t think he was going to slow down.”

Until the snow melts, walkers along Fairfield’s streets will have to take extra precautions. Licia follows the standard rule of walking against traffic so she can see cars approaching. Maldonado wears spiked boots when he goes out on his route so he won’t slip in the road. And Michelle just keeps her eye on Eddie.

“I’m keeping him on a short leash,” she said.

Have you tried to walk outside since the snowstorm? Share your own tips and experiences in the comments below.

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