A Winter Weather Public Service Announcement

Since the Mid-Atlantic states have been hammered by a record December snowstorm, I feel it is my duty to provide some reminders on appropriate behavior after a snow as a public service.

1. Make sure to clean off your entire car of snow BEFORE driving. Yes, driving down the road will remove the snow for you, but it will end up on the cars following you, possibly creating accidents. Since the General Assembly in Maryland meets in a little over a month, please contact your legislators about imposing stiff fines, prison sentences, and maybe capital punishment for the more egregious offenders, for those who refuse to perform this simple courtesy to their fellow drivers. It is completely boneheaded to drive down the road with over a foot of snow on the roof of your car.
2. When plowing sidewalks, parking lots, etc., make sure the entire area is clear of slush, or treat it with salt or some other melting chemical. Otherwise, you will have sheet ice in the morning (like the parking lot at my place now).
3. There is absolutely no reason, unless you are emergency personnel, to be going over the speed limit on any road after the storm if the roads are not completely cleared. Going eighty miles per hour on I-270 should be grounds for being shot.
   
4. If you travel somewhere before a predicted winter storm, make sure it is to some place where you have reliable Internet access.

Following these tips will make surviving the winter storm somewhat enjoyable.