Are you prepared for icy driving conditions? / LJWorld.com

Asked at Massachusetts Street on December 1, 2007

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“I’ve got some stuff left over from last year, but I need to buy scrapers for some of the cars and probably some salt.”

— Ed Wilken, air traffic controller, Lenexa

“No. But I work at an elementary school, so whenever there’s ice on the road I’ll be staying home.”

— Kathy Traylor, secretary, Overland Park

“I did buy some salt last night to clear the driveway. I’ve got a shovel and everything, but unfortunately I don’t have a license right now.”

— Matthew Mitchell, landscaper, Lawrence

“I think so. I’m from Chicago, so I think I’m ready for it.”

— Nathan Dixey, Kansas University graduate student, Lawrence

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southerngirl 5 years, 6 months ago

Yes, but my fellow Mid Southerners never are...everything closes down when the first flake of snow falls, but then they race home on the icy streets. Crazy, Crazy, crazy... d

jonas 5 years, 6 months ago

I'm always prepared for icy driving conditions. Go slower, ease up on the accelerator, keep a large amount of space between you and the other drivers. No esta muy deficil.

OnlyTheOne 5 years, 6 months ago

Nor does it help steering, Prospector.

snap_pop_no_crackle 5 years, 6 months ago

Also remember that no matter how much your vehicle cost, it is still subject to the laws of physics.

sgtwolverine 5 years, 6 months ago

After a bad accident on the highway a couple years ago (not so much bad for me, but for a responding firefighter), I am as cautious as I can be when road conditions are uncertain or dangerous.

bearded_gnome 5 years, 6 months ago

for those of you out of town, we got no ice, apparently none, at no time of the morning, as predicted.

thus, the only dread we have is mud. mud.

wondering when they asked this on mass st. why not go to other places to ask the ots question: lmh; bert nash; wal-mart; haskell; kansas union. or, ask at the jail.

are you prepared for winter driving? a: yeah, as soon as I steal that copcar.

jonas 5 years, 6 months ago

Bearded Gnome: "wondering when they asked this on mass st. why not go to other places to ask the ots question: lmh; bert nash; wal-mart; haskell; kansas union. or, ask at the jail."

Maybe they didn't want to drive in the ice.

sigerson 5 years, 6 months ago

Scariest driving experience I ever had was careening down the east side of Mt. Oread on a sheet of ice. What's the downward angle? Thirty percent? Or does it just get larger with age and every time I tell the story? Against all odds, I didn't hit anything.

Now, I stay home.

Kathy Getto 5 years, 6 months ago

Perpared, yes, prepared to stay home where it is cozy.

ms_canada 5 years, 6 months ago

We, here in the frozen north, had the most beautiful autumn but winter hit us with a bang while I was in Calif. last week. WOW, I could not believe the cold and icy streets. Not much snow yet but cold. We have much experience with icy streets here with out long winters, so are pretty well prepared for anything.

matahari 5 years, 6 months ago

Pywacket (Anonymous) says:

I am so ready to head for the nearest ice-glazed cornfield to do donuts!

Are you serious? you just pick out someomes' corn field and drive through it? That takes nerve and a good attorney!

Pywacket 5 years, 6 months ago

I am so ready to head for the nearest ice-glazed cornfield to do donuts!

If you can't handle ice and snow, please stay home when we really do get some winter weather. The worst part of (what passes for) winter in this region are the lugnuts who don't know how to drive in it. Generally, these types have 3 responses: (1) ignore it because (pick as many as apply) they're too cool to slow down to a safe speed, they fail to factor in extra driving time and take stupid chances to make up that time, or they're driving an SUV and think they're invincible, (2) drive at about 20 mph below what is actually safe, and/or (3) slam on the brakes whenever they find themselves on the slightest hill or whenever they slide a little, sending themselves into a spin and turning their car into an out-of-control projectile.

If you're a normal, decent driver and you get really lucky (yes, read this with sarcasm), you'll find yourself stuck behind driver (2) with driver (1) riding your a$$. Just pray that driver (3) doesn't come spinning at you from the opposite direction.

sunflower_sue 5 years, 6 months ago

Not sure how the current auto will handle the ice. I try not to be out when it's icy, but when I am, I go slower, brake sooner, and generally try not to act like a ninny.

compmd 5 years, 6 months ago

As a Chicagoan, I laugh at this pitiful attempt at wintry weather that Mother Nature has dropped on Lawrence. Seriously, its not that bad. I eagerly await some serious snowfall.

But yes, slow down people. And for drivers of newer cars, your "Winter Mode" button is not a substitute for intelligence.

snowWI 5 years, 6 months ago

Lawrence is located so far south. The Upper Midwest gets much more snowfall that actually stays on the ground. With climate change occuring Kansas has a climate similar to the upper portions of the south these days.