Winter Drivers

With winter in full gear in the barren wasteland one might think this area becomes a 'Winter Wonderland'. That might be true for a day or maybe even 2 days, but after a few weeks of snow and cold, anyone that spends anytime in the barren wasteland during winter quickly tires of sub-zero temperatures, wind and snow. Then to add to the misery of cold, wind and snow, if you live in any sort of metro area in the wasteland you then add the 4th element you must battle all winter long...that being other drivers. For you see, when the roads get covered in snow and/or ice some folks in this area alter their normal driving habits...and I guess maybe some don't alter their driving method at all and are just naturally crappy drivers. So what kind of winter drivers are they? There are 2 basic 'winter drivers' with the rest of use subjected to their driving skill, or lack thereof.

The first winter driver is the "I'm scared to be even driving in these conditions" driver. A person can easily recognize these drivers because they will typically be driving a 4-wheel drive vehicle with all the wipers (both front and rear) on high-speed and driving as slowly as possibly, preferably slower than 10 MPH. For you see, their entire energy is focused on keeping their SUV on the road...they fear if they get stuck on some road that they will never be found and die in a matter of moments. Never mind that behind these people is a line of traffic that stretches as far as a person can see. When the scaredy cat driver finally does turn off the road there is much joy and rejoicing as the following drivers can then at least resume their travels at a rate that is faster than a person walking. The scaredy cat driver also doesn't realize that going 5 MPH into a snow drift guarantees you getting stuck...but going thru a drift at a normal rate of speed is usually all that is needed to prevent you from getting stuck.

The other winter driver is the "I'm not scared of driving in these conditions" driver. Very recognizable driver as well. This person will typically have a jacked-up 4x4 truck... and usually not a 'cute' SUV but a full-sized truck or suburban. These drivers have no patience for anyone on the roads because, you see, these conditions are exactly what the driver has been waiting for... finally a reason to lock into 4 by mode and drive thru snowdrifts as if you were in an off-road rally race set in the snow. They scoff at speed limits... sure, they'll drive 25 mph in the summer down a road but in the winter time, with snow drifts and ice means that they now need to do 45 to exhibit their lack of fear towards snow on the streets. If they happen to be following you, regardless of how fast or slow you will be traveling at, they will instantly drive up onto your bumper and make sure to 'rev up' their motor at every opportunity to keep you informed that they are impatiently waiting behind you to drive somewhere...for you see, if you have a huge 4x4 truck and you are driving it in a blizzard, your tasks are by far more pressing than anyone else's. Because during a winter snowfall/blizzard the 4x4 driver will often times utilize 'alternate' routes to get by a slower moving vehicle...by alternate routes, I mean it is not uncommon to see one of these dolts driving on sidewalks or cutting corners by going over the curb and because everything is snow covered, they feel justified.

Now, I am by no means advocating people to drive in an unsafe manner or be inconsiderate to anyone in any driving conditions. But with the large amount of snowfall this area got last week has had me in traffic with some of the finest 'winter drivers' this area has. I also must note, that I traded in my SUV 2 years ago (gas money) and at first was a little apprehensive about driving a car around in the winter time...but the 3, maybe 4 times a person actually had to have their vehicle in 4 wheel drive really proves that sure, 4 wheel drive in the winter almost guarantees a person not getting stuck, but a person can drive safely and at the posted street limits with few problems if they just drive in a manner that is safe for everyone. I think the scaredy cat drivers and the winter rally racers are both types of people that add stress to winter driving and there is usually nothing more comical than being behind a rally racer who is behind a scaredy cat driver because the rally racer will sometimes contemplate driving right over the vehicle in front of them...because again, they have somewhere important to go regardless of the driving conditions.