May Contain Peanuts

Beep!

Last week, a light snow fell upon the DC area. Hooray for the first snow of the year! It's 2 inches of pure white bliss, inaugurating the true start of the winter season. Of course, it's the biggest story on the news; school children (and teachers) are praying for delays or closings; and drivers everywhere are going 20 mph slower than they need to.

A few hundred miles north of DC, up to a foot fell in certain areas of New England and New York. Sure, it's still a story, but it's not a big deal. It's winter, snow happens. People can still drive as they normally would.

Perhaps it is the celebration of occasion that makes people lay off the gas pedal and ride that brake. Here in the DC area, we get snow maybe 3 or 4 times durig the winter season, and it is always embraced as an important event. In between snows are plain days of 50 degree weather that make one sympathize with the global warming theory. Snow is an event, a possible break from work and a chance to go play. It is also horrible conditions for being on the roads. Despite the decent amount of salt trucks and coverage in the area, everyone slows down. A good percentage slow down to points of absurdity, even throwing on emergency flashers to reemphasize just how slow they are going.

I understand people want to be careful and don't want to wreck a major cost and dependence of their life, but there needs to be some enlightening to the speed:snow ratio. I've been in a white out before, where the snow is so heavy you can't see past the windshield. This is an appopriate time to pull over and wait it out. Light snow and ice is not. Your 2000 pound car can make it through and still be in control. Here's the tips: keep a decent distance between cars. Don't have distractions around you. Keep a decent speed. Other people will drive normally. I think you're in more danger by going slow and leaving the possibility for a normal driver to hit your slow ass.

If you drive a performance car with thin tires and sport suspension, you may have an excuse for going slower, but you shouldn't be driving anyway. The salt on the roads really F's with your paint job.

If you drive a truck or any SUV, you have no reason to go slow. You drive a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Granted, you have probably never been on any surface other than asphalt and your floor mats are muddier than your wheels, but you should know you can drive through snow without a problem. Just go.

On back roads and alleys, take your time. They are usually lined with things to hit and can be really icy. Main roads however are ready to go. Drive.

I think I'm just bitter because it is easy to see how we get the idea that as you travel farther south in the US, the less people know about driving in winter weather. It stinks, but it's a trade off for not going outside to -20 degree cold in January. I know people get excited over snow around here, but if you love it so much, pull over and make a snow angel. If you are driving, focus on the road and get out of my way. Don't perpetuate the stereotype.