Dear Utah Drivers:
I got up this morning to find the greatest snow on earth covering our little area of Utah. It was breathtaking…and annoying. I knew that I had to go to work- and that meant braving the roads.
You see, Utah drivers, I used to drive in the snow all the time. I grew up in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and lived in PA for awhile. I never had big cars with big engines, but I did ok. Mostly because people knew how to follow the rules. The SNOW rules. Yes, there are rules.
Like for instance, Mom in the minivan- you DON’T pull out in front of a teeny little car going straight down a road covered in snow. That teeny little car will not be able to stop for you- even slowing down quickly can cause that teeny car to slide off into the side of the road cursing your existence. But you wouldn’t know that- would you- because you don’t look in your rear view mirror.
And for you- silver bullet-y car. It’s important when you get up in the morning to clean your car off well. I know it’s cold outside. I know the snow will get in your shoes. I know this because I cleaned my car off, too. But here’s the thing. If you can’t see out your back window, well, then, you don’t know who is behind you, do you? And don’t forget the roof. While you don’t look through the roof, once you hit that magical 35 mph that snow will come off in a big wet sheet blinding me and other cars around you.
And finally-just for everyone. I know you’ve become accustomed to driving however you want. You just pull out and let others deal with it. You just change lanes and let others deal with it. You just stop- and yeah, you guessed it, let others deal with it. I’ve gotten used to this little quirk in your nature. I’ve even grown to foresee what you’re going to do- it’s worked out ok. But if there is one time when you need to make sure you’re giving people a little extra room, and using your eyes…and your brain…it’s during snowy weather. You don’t need to go 25 mph…but you DO need give everyone a little space. For example, that law-prescribed 2 car lengths between me and the car in front of me- that is NOT an invitation to squeeze in. I can see how sometimes that can be cute. But not today. OK?
Most Sincerely:
Your Disgruntled New Englander
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