If you haven’t heard, this past Wednesday featured probably one of the worst commutes in history in the Washington DC area. Many people didn’t get home from work until several hours later, usually between 8 and 12 hours after leaving, and several left their cars for a variety of reasons. Having lived through this nightmare firsthand, I have some things to convey about the whole incident.
Firstly, there really was no way to prevent what had happened. The weather was a perfect mess of rain, ice, and snow at the right time to create the commute from Hell. Normally, road crews treat the roads with salt and sand to provide traction for the cars before the weather hits. Unfortunately, the day started out with rain and it merely washed away the salt and the sand before the ice and snow hit. On top of that, the snow came down hard and fast right at the beginning of the rush hours. Within just a couple of hours, there was eight inches of snow on the ground in most areas. With a layer of ice just below it, it made driving on the hilly areas of the rim of insanity dangerous at best.
Despite the fact that there was no way for the road crews to prevent it, there was plenty they could have done that may have alleviated the situation. Now, plowing the streets that had heavy traffic was impossible, however, the plows could have concentrated their efforts on the roads that weren’t being traveled on. In this case, it would have meant all the neighborhood streets and all the roads that went in the opposite direction of traffic. This would have given people options, and may have allowed people to travel down the roads further than needed and turn around in order to go home in the opposite direction. I did this myself in order to get home, but the roads I traveled on had no visible plowing or treatment. In the several hours it took me to get to that point where I was going against traffic, the plow trucks could’ve taken care of that road. The snow had long since stopped.
Secondly, the people who abandoned their cars was understandable, but it was utterly unnecessary unless you were stuck in the ice or out of gasoline. If someone abandoned their car, especially in the middle of the road, then you deserve more punishment than having to pay the impound lot fee. Most of us stuck to our cars and stuck with the path that was laid out before us. If you simply abandoned your car without regard for those behind you, then you’re selfish scum and should have your license revoked.
Lastly, the whole incident has solidified in me the need to ensure that you have in your car everything you’ll need to survive for at least one night in a remote area, even if that area is inhabited. This includes things like a change of clothes, basic hygienic items, food, and water. There are several lists all over the Internet for things like “Bug-out”/”Go” bags. These things vary depending on the situations you are likely to face and the amount of time you are planning on being away (the most I read is three days), so it’s up to you.
All in all, I’m grateful that I made it home, despite being on the road for well over 10 hours. It was one of the worst experiences of my life and I hope that I never experience something like it ever again. I suppose I need to move out of the area now in order to avoid such troubles in the future. I hear great things about Florida…