It’s very cold in the South today. The temperature didn’t get above freezing. It would not be so bad if there was snow. But, there can’t be too much ice with the snow, otherwise it might take down the power lines. Plus, the roads can’t be too icy.
There’s not enough Department of Transportation infrastructure to take care of the entire area. I think that the entire area of Georgia that is north of Interstate 20 has a handful or less of salt trucks and maybe one snowplow. If the state’s DOT isn’t really prepared for widespread cold weather, imagine how ill-suited the residents are for these below freezing conditions.
Most residents don’t own clothes made for low temperatures, unless they are transplants from colder climes. Also, in driver’s education classes, driving in snow and ice isn’t covered. Safe driving in the snow here is as many people as possible staying home.
This really is the best plan, because when the roads have fewer drivers, there’s less of a chance of someone getting injured when a car hits a patch of ice and goes skidding across the road. Also, staying home ensures that the driver plus any passengers don’t have to abandon the car and walk to shelter. Most drivers don’t own a set of snow chains, much less know how to put them on their tires. While there are a good number of people who own four wheel drive vehicles, on snow days they spend their time acting as food delivery workers, ride share drivers, and emergency transportation for their family, friends, friends of friends, and distant acquaintances who drive fuel efficient vehicles.
I think that snow is lovely to look at and spend a few minutes in nature. But, after I have walked about a hundred yards, made a snowman, a snow angel, participated in a snowball fight, and slid down a hill on a plastic tarp, because I don’t own a sled, I am done with being cold and wet.
Spending cold weather days inside wearing fleece, drinking hot beverages, and reading is my idea of a good snow day. Actually, it’s also my idea of a good rainy day, sunshiny day, and a partly cloudy day, too. If it’s a day that has weather, I’m okay with those activities. It really doesn’t take much to coerce me to do any of them!
Drive safe. Watch out for icy places in the shade. Stay warm. And, bring your pets inside, unless you plan to spend the night outside with them!
Journey with Monica 