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Idiot Drivers and Bad Weather Conditions
OK, just gonna vent here. I left yesterday morning to drive 240mi south to see family for the holidays. We had a garage fire the night before so I was running on about 6 hours sleep. About 100 miles into the trip I ran head-on into a huge snowburst that's part of the mega storm hitting the midwest right now. Within 15 minutes it went from decent to complete white out conditions. Finally I decided it wasn't worth the risk so I turned around. What blew me away was the trucks/suvs/semis blowing by me at 50mph throwing up a cloud of snow so thick I had to pull over a few times. Now, I've always been a careful driver and since I joined the fire service I'm even more so but I'm no granny either. These people however were taking theirs and other lives into their hands. And for what reason? Years ago I was passed on an interstate under similar circumstances by a suburban doing 70+ mph. Ten minutes later came on to the scene of a roll-over. Yup, it was him. There were 3 children and a female passenger as well. Two other vehicles hit the ditch in avoidance of a collision. All that and for what? "Well I have 4WD so I'm good to go!". Sorry people. You hang upon a thread when you drive like that. Just one little slip and....sad holiday for you and others. Please slow down and pay attention to the road conditions. I for one do not want to go out on a MVA on Christmas but until people wise up, I probably will. SSTC
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on
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Are you referring to the idiots driving their POV's or the idiots driving fire apparatus...? We have some out there...just look at the LODD's....Lets all make it a safer year and try to do something about our people killing themselves....Have a safe and happy New Year....Paul
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Permalink Reply by ashfire on
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I think the auto makers sell the public that 4x4 type vehicles are better on the roads because they have all these features and can stop on a dime in bad weather. When I learn about using 4x4 use was to get into places that a regular vehicle might get stuck and to get back out and that 4x4 is not to be used on pavement unless it needed and to drive slow using it.
Now you have push button 4x4 and luxury features and custom wheels and horsepower but no real training about driving in bad weather or anytime.
Those that drive emergency and commerical vehicles have to take refresher driving classes but the public just keeps on going until they get caught or get in a accident and the courts send them back to driving school. Then you hope they don't revert back to old habits.
I told our officers that we should have a drill on questions from the state driving book and see how many could pass a regular drivers writen test along with a EVOC info.
One thing I have learn about drive a vehilce without 4x4 is to have weight in your vehilce to get it down the road and not to drive fast and to carry a shovel and something to stick under your tires for traction if you do get stuck. The other thing is tires and proper inflation. I bet the public rides around on tires that need air in them and are close to danger for riding on at any speed
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Permalink Reply by Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp on
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Sorry Bro but stupid is born every minute. Sadder still is they breed. Same people who expect us to come out and rescue them when stupid finally catches up to them. Glad your safe and sound Bro.
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Permalink Reply by afd29 on
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One week ago today we got hit by a snow storm that started out with ice then got between 8 -12 in of wet snow on top of that. very bad drving conditions right ? not to some people. we ran calls that ranging from people in a ditch to roll overs to power lines down or arching to trees down to a car fire over about a 12hr period. people finally got the idea to slow down to late. i think tis is credited to the idea of 4x4 will get me anywhere to oh i got a front wheel drive i good to go. sorry to tell those people thats bs . wet snow and ice that wont help they need to SLOW DOWN and BECAREFUL.
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Permalink Reply by Doug on
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My cousin this evening, who normally is a very bright young man, stated that while he was driving on the interstate, in the first real snow fall we had received here in western PA a week and a half ago, that he just put his truck into four wheel drive and just punched it. My reaction:
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Permalink Reply by Ben "Batman" Barry on
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I remember a crash I was off duty and first on scene. I had reecently gotton home from a trip to New Hampshire. The weather conditions were blizzard like and people were driving safely. I get home to Connecticut going to the grocery store, weather was not snowing but slightly icey on the road. One vehicle goes down an icey hill doing about 35 mph, takes out 2 other cars, almost hits me. My mother swerved and almost hit a phone pole. The first due engine was there 2 min after I called 911. As the police run the drivers of each car, they find out the driver who caused the accident was the only one with a valid license and insurance. As the engine company is assisting in clean up, drivers are driving through the scene broken glass debris and all. Finally I was released and went home. That accident taught me that, people will drive the same no matter what
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Another thing you will see are the people who will not turn on their headlights if it rains, snows or in fog during the daylight hours. I was told "Wipers On Headlights On". For safety reasons it helps others to see your vehilce even thou the nut behind the wheel can see or think they can see.
Another thing is road hazards after roads have been cleared of snow or ice, Potholes or steel plates that were moved by snow plows. Today I seen a pothole a foot deep and four feet wide in a right turn lane to a shopping center. At least someone put cones up in front of it but still there will be potholes on roads and highways that someone is going to dive into or try to dodge at high speed and all hell will break loose.
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