News flash: We just had a snowfall of epic proportions.
There may be a car lurking behind these drifts. Drive with caution! (Photo credit CTNews.com)
Not that it’s changed the habits of some Westport drivers. This morning, they’re racing down our roads like it’s a brilliant summer Sunday.
On the off-chance any of these Very Important People are paying attention — hey, maybe they’re simultaneously driving and reading “06880” on their iPhones at this very moment! — here are a few tips to avoid becoming a statistic. (Or making me one.)
- You may have noticed some mammoth snow drifts. These are usually not there. As a result, it’s more difficult than usual to proceed out of side streets and lots, or through intersections. Drivers must move beyond the Himalayan piles, to see where they’re going. If you’re one of those drivers, do so s-l-o-w-l-y. If you’re driving past such a mountain, expect the unexpected.
- Plow guys are today’s heroes. We want them everywhere, and we want them now. But while we’re pleased our guy is cleaning our driveway, we have to remember the other guy is doing the same. Watch out for plows coming into the road, and around corners. Whether it’s right or not, they take the right of way. And those things attached to the front? They’re wider than a normal vehicle. In a collision with yours, they win. Give ’em room.
- Plenty of parking lots are plowed — sweet! But you may notice that the snow isn’t actually gone; it’s just pushed back, where your car normally goes. That means you can’t pull casually into any ol’ spot; if you do, your car’s butt may stick into the narrow driveable lane, so no one gets by. This may seem very un-Westport, but you may have to find a spot several feet away from where you’d like, and walk a few extra steps.
- Though it is tempting to tear down major thoroughfares like the Post Road, , look (briefly) sideways and realize that the shoulders aren’t where they used to be. They’re right next to you, bonehead! And because the situation’s the same for the guy in the opposite lane, STFD.
- Another reason to slow the f— down: As good as most roads are, there’s still random ice and gunk other there. Lots of it.
- A 3rd reason: The 2 feet of snow on top of the car in front of you is about to fly off, directly into your path. You can’t avoid it, but you don’t have to drive into it at warp speed.
- If you’re one of those obsessive-compulsive, Lycra-clad Type As who absolutely, positively, must jog every day, no matter what the weather or (this is important) road conditions: don’t. You can still get a workout, though. Shovel.
Got other tips for your fellow motorists? Click the “Comments” link to add advice.