I WRITE regarding the letter Snow laughing matter from Ken Roper (Oxford Mail, February 9).

It is absurd to suggest that residents should not clear snow from paths and driveways for fear of being sued.

If someone wants to clear snow and ice, then they should feel free to do so. All that is needed is a shovel and some common sense.

As in all things, people just need to use care to ensure others are not needlessly injured.

For example, if someone were to clear the snow by melting it with boiling water from a kettle, it is fair to assume that the water may re-freeze and create a sheet of ice on which someone may slip and fall.

This would be plain foolish, as well as negligent. Compensation is not given for accidents, nor for every bump and bruise. The law recognises common sense.

Clearly, more needs to be done to educate the public about the difference between an accident and negligence.

Accidents are a fact of life, but negligence which results in needless injury can and should be avoided. Denise Kitchener Chief Executive Association of Personal Injury Lawyers