Oh the British winter

A lot of people in the UK seem to be superstitious, particularly in winter. Many people think for example, that leaving christmas decoration up after the 6th of January causes bad luck. Others think that gritting your own drive or the pavement outside your house or clearing it of snow will cause people to sue you if they slip and fall despite your efforts. Well, both of these popular beliefs are actually myths, I'm afraid.



Fair enough, this country isn't used to a bit of snow in the winter and that´s why people react scared and paralyzed - I give you that. But come on, stop acting like children and take some responsibility. Stop complaining that the council doesn't grit your pavement and that elderly people are piling up on the street corners as they slip on the ice and fall on their face. People don't need to be "trapped in their homes", this is not the Antarctic. Take a goddamn shovel and grit your own pavement!



But ... but ... haven't you watched TV? There´s a national shortage of grit. Don't give me this bullshit! If you don't have salt for gritting (which is bad for the environment anyway) use something else. Gravel, sand, sawdust, or even wood chips are better than no grit. Use your imagination. This is an island, there´s plenty of sand all around. And no, nobody will hold you liable when they slip on your drive unless you act grossly negligent ie. when your gritting efforts make things worse than they were before. If for example you had the brilliant idea to pour hot water over the ice, you'd clearly be an idiot and deserved to be sued. In most countries you're legally obliged to free the pavement outside your house from ice and snow and you're liable for any accident that happens if you DON'T. In this country however, you enjoy the freedom of looking after your neighbours voluntarily. So stop complaining about the council and do it yourself. It shouldn't be the law, it should be common sense.



Oh and having some fairy lights up on the 7th doesn't kill anyone either.



Myth busted. Now enjoy your snow.