[Spridgets] Snow in Britain

[Kathryn Bales]

After over 15 years of driving a bus in the PNW, I would have to agree 
with Gilroy. I commuted from 20 miles west of Eugene in my Midget for 
nearly 10 years. The road passed through the center of a large lake, and 
was almost always covered in black ice during the winter. I would be 
passed daily by 4WD vehicles that were actually going over the posted 
speed limit. I eventually passed them, upside down in the ditch.

On days when people woke up to snow on the ground, it was actually 
almost civilized, as the people who were unable to drive on dry pavement 
usually would not even attempt to drive in the snow. Those that did 
wound up where they belonged, stuck off road, within a block or two of 
their home. What was truly terrifying, was when the snow started after 
all these people had already arrived at work. They were all determined 
to get their cars home, regardless of their driving ability. City 
streets were total gridlock from about 330 - 700PM. Some people were 
clever enough to install chains - on the rear wheels of their FWD mini vans.

The main thing that makes PNW drivers dangerous, even under normally 
good driving conditions, is their total disregard for traffic control 
devices. You can expect at least four cars to go through every red 
light. A stop sign means to slow down, but only if it is convenient. A 
car in a right turn only lane is just as likely to turn left or go 
straight ahead as actually turn right, and the reverse is also true. 
Turn signal? What's that. What is even more frightening, is the 
knowledge that over 25% of Oregon motorists have neither a drivers 
license nor insurance. When their car is impounded, they just go out and 
buy another beater with a long time left on its stickers.

Kate


William M. Gilroy wrote:
> As much as everyone thinks they have the worst snow drivers that title
> is held by the Pacific NW drivers.  I snows here and it is pure chaos.