Thursday, February 21, 2008

Southern Drivers

Why are people so darn afraid to drive in a little bit of snow? This evening I went out visiting teaching, and my dear friend (who shall remain nameless) was very uneasy because it had begun snowing/sleeting. Just a little dusting. It wasn't sticking to the roads. And if snow does start to stick to the roads, it usually takes at least a few hours before it becomes impassable, and you're stuck and forced to eat the crumbs in the carseats to survive. At least that's the way it is in Virginia. I'm well aware that there are parts of the country where conditions can become bad quickly. But this is Virginia. It's been years since we've even had a decent 12 inch snow. But an awful lot of people around here, who are old enough to have had some snow driving experience, are convinced that they will slide right off the road as soon as snow sticks.

I was born and raised in Virginia, and in a part of the state that gets less snow than here, but my parents are Northerners. I guess they imparted their "don't let a little snow stop life" attitude to me. So people, listen up: If there is some snow on the roads, don't panic. Just drive a more slowly and allow plenty of braking room. (Ice is a different story, however, so learn to tell the difference between the two.) Think of the millions of people who live farther north, and still go on with work and school even when it snows! If they can do it, so can we!

3 comments:

Athena's antics said...

Out here, life just goes on like normal. I've had my kids walk to school in subzero temps, occasionally I'll drive them if there's 6 inches of snow not shoveled on the sidewalks, but school and life is never put on hold for the cold/snow/ice. I haven't seen grass since Thanksgiving. Even so, people drive way too fast regarding the weather and screw up the roads for everyone - they feel invinceable.

Anonymous said...

Teh sad part is if you are out when it snows in VA, you will see people here really really can't drive in the snow--you will see a car in the ditch every 10 feet--its really kinda sad. Hey I'm all for not having school, and sleeping in when it "calls" for snow!! I personally still drive in it, but I did live out west for a little while!

Anonymous said...

I mean having school CANCELLED. . .