I went out early this morning for my Tuesday run and occasionally felt my feet slip from under me. I haven’t run much since the coldest weather began a week ago because most of last week included rain and ice. Being dryer this morning, I slowly ran along the sidewalks and roads watching for those dangerous patches of ice that sometimes disguise themselves as wet spots on the surface. While I tiptoed through the different wet areas—around trees and shaded areas, I still felt the effects of the ice underneath my feet.
The same would’ve been true if I had been driving.
I commented later to a friend while discussing our morning runs that the iciest spots were on the asphalt. Because of how the asphalt has crevasses that hold water, the roadways were much more dangerous that the concrete sidewalks. The roadways this morning were definitely dangerous.
It does not take much ice to spin a car out of control—driving too fast for conditions is a way many people find themselves in a ditch. Sadly, many of these accidents occur as flip the car on its roof. When the weather is freezing—plan ahead. Leave the house early enough so there is no temptation to rush. And take your time. Listen to a book, or your favorite morning show—by all means enjoy the slow safe ride to work.
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This post is a part of my participation in the Weather Ready Ambassador Program. For more information see the National Weather Service Weather Ready Nation Website.