Rules for Driving

Let’s talk about driving.  More specifically, let’s discuss driving in the snow.  Now, people who live in the New England area are no strangers to driving in the snow.  In fact, you can tell who the “experienced” New England drivers are vs. the “I just moved here and have NO IDEA what I am doing” drivers.  Let’s start this rant with the non experienced drivers.

Time to educate.

Rule #1, CLEAN OFF YOUR CAR.  That means the WHOLE CAR, not just the windshield.  This means the sides, windshield, side mirrors, the front of your car (yes, the headlights too), the back window, your trunk  and yes the top of your car.  I am so happy to purchased that overpriced SUV, but just because you chose to purchase it and didn’t realize you couldn’t reach the top, doesn’t mean you’re excluded.  Get a ladder and clean that sh*t off.  It’s dangerous.  Good news though, if you wait long enough, a ladder isn’t needed, just climb on top of the snow bank.

Rule#2, Take your time.  I understand you are in a vehicle that is all wheel drive with great tires and you think you have complete control.  That’s really nice for you, but as a heads up…not everyone around you is that confident behind the wheel of the car, nor is their car just as good in the snow.  Keep a safe traveling distance from any car around you and TAKE YOUR TIME. Rushing in the snow does you no good.  No one is getting to work on time today kids, back off.

Rule#3, Know your vehicle.  This goes out to you all you Toyota Corolla’s and Subaru owners.  I think its cute that you purchased your car thinking it would be unstoppable in the winter time.  I am sure some salesman told you “this car is great in the snow, it’s made for New England winters!”  They probably even told you about the “Winter package” that’s available as an add-on, news flash, winter package means seat warmers and a secondary defrost panel on your windshield.  It doesn’t make the car drive better in the snow.  Nor does it make the snow magically melt in front of you as you make your way down the road.  You and you alone are responsible for how that vehicle drives. So stop being stupid.  Why do you have to pass me on a back road?  I am going plenty fast enough for conditions.  Its not necessary.  I drive a front wheel drive Ford.  Its great in the snow, but most of the time the reason for an accident is not because of the car…its because of the stupid head operating the car.

Rule#4, Help each other out.  This goes out to my old commuter days with the MBTA.  Always have a shovel, ice scraper and some form of traction device in your trunk.  This could be sand, salt if you have the money, or even kitty liter.  You always need to be prepared.  Why?  Because we are all in this together, so if you are in the parking lot digging yourself out and you see someone next to you struggling the same way you are…help each other out.  Its just a nice thing to do.

Now, you experienced drivers.  Thank you for calling out of work.  If you do have to drive, thank you for taking your time and staying a safe distance away from me.  Thank you for letting me use your spray bottle of de-icer  on my windshield…that’s a handy little tidbit.  I appreciate it. Just one thing.  When it comes to driving in the city, keep in mind that although your used to this intersection being 2 lanes, because of all the snow and the lack of places to put it, its now 1 lane.  So don’t cut me off again or we will have a problem.  Also, get ready for tomorrow, everyone is going to be back to work and everyone will be expecting the roads to be 100% ok.  We know they won’t be, so lets make sure we stick to the rules, keep the speeds down and everyone will get from point a to point b safely.

Hugs and Kisses.
~Sarah

Introducing....

Good morning internet!  Monday Mornings with Sarah started last night, whilst sitting at a bar, with Sarah.  It's high time we put her writing skills to work.  For many years now, her NYC girls and I have enjoyed the morning e-mails over coffee about the adventures at work.  We know you will enjoy them as much as we do.  So sit back, relax, pour yourself a tall one (coffee, silly) and get ready to roll on the floor with laughter.  I introduce to you, Miss Sarah.