Perspectives Change

[Ridgerunner]

A lot of us get black ice too Red. But you are right, a lot of Southerners don't understand it. That's why we have such problems with conditions you think nothing of.

When we have certain conditions, I try very hard to stay off the roads. It's not my driving I'm so worried about, I've driven in those conditions before. It's the other drivers that don't understand the basics of driving in those slick conditions that scare me. it's not just the Yahoos that think speed is great, the over cautious drivers are a problem too.

 

[canesisters]

TOTALLY understand black ice. Have totaled 2 vehicles on it.
.. or rather, off of it.

 

[Nyboy]

Red black ice is my biggest fear driving in winter, 4 wheel drive means nothing agaist it.

 

[Just-Moxie]

Black ice is wicked nasty stuff. I grew up in Kansas City. Had enough of ice and snow to last a lifetime...and managed to stay down by the ocean for 15 years. Then, ended up back in the Midwest. KS. I lived there for 14 years. Till I managed to escape once more.
I had to deal with it every winter, in the dark, as I worked 3rd shift most jobs. Driving in to work at 9pm. Usually when the ice and snow storms were just starting.

 

[Carol Dee]

I have lived in Iowa all my life. I really dislike winter driving. So WHY do I drive a school bus? You can not imagine the days we are sent out to pick up or take home kids in REALLY BAD weather! But I DO NOT want the job of saying when to call school off. One of those no matter what you do it is wrong.

 

[Smart Red]

I hear you there, Carol. We've had mornings with 40 mph wind gusts, sleet, and snow making visibility near zero so school is called off. Then the sun comes out, melts the snow and the temps soar into the 50s. Everyone is aghast that school was called off on such a beautiful day. I'm guessing you have (mostly spring) weather like that.

Even worse are those days when nicer weather is predicted for later in the day so we have a late start. Then the weather turns for the worse. "Why ever would you risk school in these conditions" is the outraged cry.

Yup! One thing worse than being a bus driver is being the decision maker in bad weather.