Looks like winter is here for a bit, please be safe. I will get a few likes and more than a few “mind your business” responses but I genuinely mean please be safe. Last weekend I was taking my son back to college and had the whole family in the truck. Road conditions were deceptively slick and we saw a few cars in the ditch. It dawned on me at that time that the only thing I really care about and that could never be replaced was sitting in that F-150. All it takes is a split second and patch of ice to take all of that away.
Before making last weeks trip: I checked my tires, made everyone put on their water resistant boots, took a bag with some water and power bars, carried a rain suit, packed heavier coats and carried an emergency blanket. Oh and of course carried a larger pistol! We left later then planned so we would traveling with the sun up, slowed down and took our time. No reason to get in a hurry.
Right now my colleague in Northern IL is on the phone telling me the story of dealing with his elderly grandfather who is currently stuck in a snow drift and hurt his ankle. He is livid because he argued with his grandfather yesterday that he had no reason to leave the house during inclement weather. Apparently 4WD is not invincible. So, if you can stay home in bad weather please do so.
Today I was grabbing lunch and listened to a young man complaining about people who couldn’t drive in the bad weather today. He had his young daughter and was opening carrying a pistol. I applaud him, but just as important as that gun is for protecting his daughter so is his car. Were there really other bad drivers or was he driving to fast for the conditions? I can’t answer that question. When I left the restaurant I quickly took note of the tires on the vehicles parked around my truck and was amazed by the condition, some were worn to the point that you could no longer see any tread. Tires are expensive and people will out of necessity be driving on them longer.
Again, be safe, keep your vehicle maintained, wear proper clothing for the weather, take your time and keep your powder dry. Also remember that your decisions/actions could not only affect you but others as well. I will now go back to minding my own business.
Before making last weeks trip: I checked my tires, made everyone put on their water resistant boots, took a bag with some water and power bars, carried a rain suit, packed heavier coats and carried an emergency blanket. Oh and of course carried a larger pistol! We left later then planned so we would traveling with the sun up, slowed down and took our time. No reason to get in a hurry.
Right now my colleague in Northern IL is on the phone telling me the story of dealing with his elderly grandfather who is currently stuck in a snow drift and hurt his ankle. He is livid because he argued with his grandfather yesterday that he had no reason to leave the house during inclement weather. Apparently 4WD is not invincible. So, if you can stay home in bad weather please do so.
Today I was grabbing lunch and listened to a young man complaining about people who couldn’t drive in the bad weather today. He had his young daughter and was opening carrying a pistol. I applaud him, but just as important as that gun is for protecting his daughter so is his car. Were there really other bad drivers or was he driving to fast for the conditions? I can’t answer that question. When I left the restaurant I quickly took note of the tires on the vehicles parked around my truck and was amazed by the condition, some were worn to the point that you could no longer see any tread. Tires are expensive and people will out of necessity be driving on them longer.
Again, be safe, keep your vehicle maintained, wear proper clothing for the weather, take your time and keep your powder dry. Also remember that your decisions/actions could not only affect you but others as well. I will now go back to minding my own business.
