When roads turn to ice rinks, tread carefully

Written by Janae Hagen Friday, 29 January 2010 08:00

People from Fargo pride themselves on being able to brave super sub-zero temperatures and drive through a blizzard like it’s an everyday thing … and they do it all while pretending that Fargo is a tiny little town – much to the annoyance of anyone driving at 5:30 on weeknights.

What tiny hint of traffic savvy existed in the summer months is thrown out the window once the paint lines on the road and parking lots get covered with snow and ice.

I remember back in driver’s education when the teacher told the class that each car accident can be boiled down into only six categories. Well, I found the seventh. Waiting at stoplights I feel pretty comfortable next to a big SUV or pickup truck, but if I’m sitting next to an equal to my two-wheel drive car, I proceed with caution.

When the back-end of cars wiggle like an excited puppy trying to catch its grip on a hardwood floor, there’s just no control over it. As if I cared in the first place, but especially in the winter I really don’t care how loud an engine can rev. The louder it is, the greater the chances of it fishtailing my way.

However, those SUVs and trucks aren’t totally off the hook. They’re the ones barreling down the interstate at 60 mph on the nights when the rest of the population is forced down to 35 mph to navigate the newly formed three-lane ice rink.

Speaking of ice rinks, parking lots are a disaster – especially ones cut on the bias like Target’s. From the second the first flakes fly those parking lots turn into a winding path that even my little Mazda has difficulty moving through.

One great thing about all the wintery weather accessories Fargo has been experiencing is that people seem to be a bit more forgiving – sliding through a fresh red light and spinning out for a few seconds at four-way stops are tolerated and provide most people with a good laugh.

I’m thankful for all the tricks winter driving in North Dakota has taught me – my little two-wheel drive car can plow through far more snow than it should be able to and I’ve learned how to rock a braking system that isn’t anti-lock.

So to all of you winter driving fools out there (myself included): remember that your backend will want to boogie when the light turns green and that four-wheel drive doesn’t give you the ability to act like a monster truck.

Also, use common sense. Just because the lines have gone missing doesn’t mean your vehicle can cozy on up to whichever angle of parking lot pavement suits you best. And for goodness sakes, please do intentional cookies or donuts only after West Acres has closed and the lot is empty.

Stay safe out there, friends.

Janae is a senior studying journalism.