PennDOT reminds residents living along rural state and local roads to prepare mailboxes for the winter months. Snow thrown from plows can easily damage mailboxes that are not prepared.
Mailboxes are normally placed within the state's legal right-of-way; however, mailbox damage is the responsibility of the property owner.
If a mailbox is placed as far from the edge of the road as a letter carrier can reach from a vehicle and the mailbox is placed on a sturdy support, it should be able to withstand the force of snow thrown from a plow.
In addition:
- Place a 6- to 8-inch piece of reflective tape on the mailbox to help snow plow operators see it at night.
- Remove snow from around the mailbox, but never throw it back onto the road.
- Consider installing a cantilevered mailbox support that will swing a mailbox out of harm's way. Go to www.dot.state.pa.us for a copy of plans for a cantilever mailbox support.
For more information, contact the local post office.