fine whine

It began snowing here more than it had so far, this winter, and all told we've got about about four inches. Now that it's all on the ground the snowplows and shovels can appear and the highways and byways can be cleared.

However, as it was falling, there was the usual trouble.

Ohio drivers are incapable, as an aggregate, of handling even the slightest precipitation. I'm not saying caution isn't a good idea, but some of these people go well beyond cautious driving and veer into dangerous territory. They become menaces to themselves and everyone else on the road.

Case in point: Shamrock Taxi number 734 (I believe, but I could be off by one or two), whose driver wasn't aware of the problems with an empty trunk, rear wheel drive, and excessive speed. The driver spun out twice on the highway in front of me, and it was fortunate for me at the others on the road that we all noticed what he was doing and were able to slow down and stop to let him get turned back around.

Twice.

So, if you're in the winter side of the world, and drive a rear-wheel-drive car or truck, get something in your trunk with all speed. Bags of salt and icebreakers work great. Sand, too. But even if you need to get cases of oil, or washer fluid, or rocks or bricks or anything. Just get some weight over those back wheels!

To the other drivers in the winter climes, watch out for rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Most pickup truck drivers probably know what they are doing driving, but the sedans might not. Pay attention to Crown Victorias! Decommissioned police cars pop up as taxi cabs and also in the private sector, and the people who get them don't always know how to handle them. Be ready with your brakes, and remember not to slam on them.

Be safe in your car this winter*!

* Here is a good link about winter driving.