bjarvis: (Honda Civic)
bjarvis ([personal profile] bjarvis) wrote2009-01-29 11:53 am
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Rock 'em Sock 'em Commute

This morning's commute was a little dodgier than usual, both literally and euphemistically.

As I have frequently ranted in the past, there is a special level of hell reserved for motorists who do not clean the snow and ice off their car before heading out onto the streets, roads and highways. This morning, I was dodging huge slabs of ice flying off of various cars around me. Fortunately, outside of a few small snowballs, nothing of consequence struck my car but a few other vehicles were not so lucky; I can't say if they sustained any damage as my attention was required elsewhere.

In other traffic nightmares, the recent snow & ice storms caused a two hour delay in the opening of schools this morning. This is not a big deal although it frequently causes a second, delayed rush-hour in mid-morning after the initial rush to work. Alas, the highway work permits to fill in pot holes and repair guard rails were still timed to begin at 9 AM. As I was driving on the outer loop of the Capitol Beltway, I bore witness to the eight mile backup on the inner loop as they had lost two lanes for road repairs during this secondary rush hour.

My timing continues to be pretty good though: as I arrived at the data center, the radio announced the inner loop had re-opened and, despite heavy traffic and backups on the outer loop, the repair crews were about two close two lanes for repairs there.

There are going to be a lot of very unhappy people on the roads of DC today.

[identity profile] pectopah.livejournal.com 2009-01-29 05:10 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't understand that either. One can get a ticket in Montreal for driving without cleaning off one's car, but one probably wouldn't be stopped unless the officer saw things flying off.

I was almost witnessed serious accident in Vermont (where they really should know better) about 5 years ago when someone in an SUV had the 2 inch thick blanket of snow on their hood blow up en masse onto their windshield and they did a panic stop on an icy highway. Fortunately, the other cars had prudently given this car some space, so only nerves were rattled.

[identity profile] cuyahogarvr.livejournal.com 2009-01-29 06:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Before venturing out in the power princess mobile, I made sure ALL of the windows were clear and the ice pack was removed from the front hood. However, not being used to the immenseness of it all, I completely overlooked the vast roof of the beast. While driving home, I was mortified to see icebergs sailing off the rooftop of the mini-van. Fortunately, everyone behind me maintained a safe distance.

Lesson learned.

[identity profile] bjarvis.livejournal.com 2009-01-29 06:32 pm (UTC)(link)
I cut some slack for buses, semis and larger vehicles... it can be difficult to reach all areas of the roof if at all. My ire is largely aimed at people who drive compact and economy cars, one so small there's barely any inch which isn't within an easy arm reach. For them, there's no excuse.

But if it will make you feel better, I'll spank you when I get home. Or deprive you of "Antiques Roadshow" for a week. :-)

[identity profile] billeyler.livejournal.com 2009-01-29 10:41 pm (UTC)(link)
You brute you!

[identity profile] wescobear.livejournal.com 2009-01-30 12:33 am (UTC)(link)
there is a special level of hell reserved for motorists who do not clean the snow and ice off their car before heading out onto the streets...

Apologies to Woody Allen, but isn't that the same level as televangelists and war criminals?

[identity profile] bearfaced.livejournal.com 2009-01-30 05:16 pm (UTC)(link)
Hey happy birthday!!

[identity profile] bjarvis.livejournal.com 2009-01-31 04:36 am (UTC)(link)
Thanks! It's been quite fun!

[identity profile] fuzzygruf.livejournal.com 2009-01-30 07:41 pm (UTC)(link)
happy birthday!