Car Keys
By R. Craig

 I'm taking a poll this month. All of you who are sick of cold weather already, raise your hand.

 Okay, never mind because I can't see your hands anyway. Actually I don't mind the cold weather. It's refreshing after the long hot summer we have had. That brings up an interesting question. Is it easier to cool off when you are hot or is it easier to warm up when you are cold? I guess it doesn't really matter. I figure that if no one liked the cold weather, who would live in Canada?  

 As you know, snow has fallen on the ground already and it's quite early in the season. When you turn on the local news you hear about twenty crashes on Route 17 due to icy conditions. And every year the first snowfall produces these accidents. I didn't forget in just one year how to drive in snow and ice, did you? 

 My point is that when you live in this area, icy roads in the winter are a way of life. In the southern states they shut down everything if there is just a dusting of snow on the ground because the drivers down there don't know how to deal with it. And I'm sure that the people in Canada are calling us wimps when we get eight inches on the road and panic. 

 My point is that when you get caught up in a snow squall or a "black ice"  situation the number one rule is to SLOW DOWN! 

 I drive Route 17 every day and on a good day I will be doing 65 and there is always somebody who has to do 80. And that's fine by me because it's not my license at risk. However, when its icy on the roadway, I know that the person flying by me in their SUV thinking they are invincible is actually driving on the edge and could lose control and take me out too. I have a problem with that. 

 Just because it has four wheel drive does not mean you can do your best Mario Andretti imitation on the highway with snow and ice on it. A four wheel drive vehicle is only as good as the tires holding it to the road. The center of gravity and weight must also be taken into consideration. When you have a lot of weight moving at 65 mph, stopping and maneuvering can be a problem if it's icy. If your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes, that is a plus but it is no replacement for common sense. 

 And in case you are wondering, yes, I have been stuck my fair share of times. Last winter I was on a snow covered road and I pulled off to the side, not knowing there was a deep ditch waiting for me. It was nicely covered up by the snow from the plows. My right front wheel caught the edge and away I went. I was barely moving. That ditch pulled me in like a Hoover sucking a dust ball. No damage was done except for my pride. I pulled it out with my truck and was on my way. I never said I was the perfect driver. I don't think there is such a person. I do try to use my head when I'm out there. 

 The best advice is to simply stay home when it gets slippery. It's not worth risking damage to your car or injury to yourself. And your insurance agent will love you for it! 

 Maybe with a little luck we won't get any more snowstorms this winter. Just a few flakes here and there. Yeah! Right! If that happens I will start buying more lottery tickets!