Driving during a blizzard is reckless not heroic
When brutal blizzards and icy roads fail to daunt some Iowa motorists, they're not brave for ignoring winter weather warnings and pushing on with their travels.
"We don't let the weather get us down."
"I'm from (insert snowy Midwestern state here). We don't let a little snow stop us."
Since Mother Nature dumped 23.1" inches of snow on Des Moines alone last week — followed by life-threatening wind chills around the state — I've noticed a disturbing trend. People shame others for staying home, canceling events, and taking time off work during record-setting storms, and they praise those who defy the warnings.
In my youth, my sister and I used to take inclement weather as a personal challenge and often refused to let it alter our plans. We left Des Moines one icy New Year's Eve to drive to a party in Kansas City, Missouri. However, Mother Nature quickly got our attention and respect an hour later when we had to turn back after watching SUVs do 360s and cars veer into the ditch. It took us twice as long — and a silent recitation of prayers — to return safely.
As an Iowan, I could regal you with countless anecdotes of treacherous winter driving situations where, thankfully, I arrived at my destination safely. But, I can also recount the near misses I'll never forget.
Thankfully, those experiences conspired to teach me that risking my life — and the lives of others — to drive in snowstorms, ice storms, and other extreme weather conditions to attend a party, event, or even go to work — is not worth it. Before said storm hits, I go to the grocery store, stock up on snacks and then ride it out at home.
During last week's storms, authorities repeatedly said some highways were impassable due to blizzard conditions and they tallied hundreds of car crashes and rescued stranded motorists. Some people referred to others as brave for refusing to let the blizzard stop them from traveling. Don’t they understand that far too many motorists, on a good day, barely use turn signals and regularly drive with their heads down in their cell phones mid-text? During last weekend’s blizzard, an Iowa State Trooper clocked a person driving 94 mph on I-80 near Council Bluffs.
I don't see the people who defy extreme blizzard warnings the same way that I imagine they see themselves: brave and smug. I consider them reckless and selfish.
I put myself and my family first, knowing that anyone who tries to guilt-trip me into traveling in hazardous weather won't pay my copays and deductibles, put money into my checking account, buy my groceries, pay for my car repairs — or assist me if I crash, become disabled or worse.
I stayed home during the snowstorms and record cold. I snuggled with my husband under the thick comforter I bought him for Christmas. We binge-watched Netflix and ate cookies. That's the best place to be when Iowa weather reminds us we're at its mercy, not out gripping the steering wheel along some treacherous, snow-and-ice-covered highway, praying to make it home.
Agree wholeheartedly! It’s worth noting that our police, snow removal professionals, and all emergency response folks need our restraint so they are not unnecessarily put in harms way.
Amen to all of this.