Share the Roads

Winter started in full force in the Upper Midwest without giving us time to ease into the driving difficulties. Everyone I have encountered on the roads on my seven-mile commute so far this year has been cautious and understanding of other people using the road. Twice someone going slow has beeped and gestured to communicate that they were going to continue going slow and that I had time to get across the road. I see people out helping their neighbors shovel their walks. It's so nice to see people come together in the face of winter's inconveniences.

There are a few crotchety fellows out there, who I have not seen on the roads but who make their frustrations known on blogs and at gatherings. There is a natural tendency to want to blame our frustrations on some one or some group, say the snow removal crews or SUV drivers. That's when we have to step back and remember this is Wisconsin and tough winters are part of the deal.

When we start feeling like we own the road, it goes something like this:

• Bicyclists: I am out here doing my part to save the environment while these nitwits in cars are putting everyone at risk with their 3,000 lbs of metal. They don't use studded ties or chains and they can't drag their feet to stop in an emergency. Since they can't stop and they're a lethal threat, it's just common sense that motor vehicles should not be on the roads.
• Cars: I can't stand these SUV drivers. It's easier for them to get going in the snow, and they don't worry about having to stop because if they hit my Honda it's me not them who gets hurt. What's worse is the bicycles, who I have to avoid because if I hit them it's me not them who will have to pay damages. It's just common sense that only cars should use the roads.
• SUVs: It seems like I am the only one responsible enough to drive a vehicle appropriate for bad weather. They blame me for global warming, even though my car is only a small percentage worse than the average car. If I smash one of those cars or bikes, I'm going to be liable for major damages. It's just common sense to stay off the roads unless you vehicle can handle the conditions.
• Professional Drivers: I'm trying to make a living, and all these inexperienced drivers who only drive maybe an hour a day get in my way. If I hit some car or bicyclist, they'll throw the book at me because people demonize semis and buses. It's just common sense that if you don't have a CDL, don't have experience driving all day long, and are not in a large truck or bus you should stay off the roads.

The authorities have not restricted the roads to any of these groups. So, as the signs say, we must share the road.

It hard to reason with curmudgeons. At best they'll hear a two-word response. At least for the holiday season, I will do my best to keep Happy Holidays as my two-word response of choice to the winter weather bellyachers, even when they're not always the first two words to come to mind.