The Calibration Storm

Each year as winter closes in we get the calibration storm. It does not require a whole bunch of snow or ice, but it's the event that sorts out those that subscribe to certain myths like "my [pick your four wheel drive vehicle] is invincible", "I don't really need studded snow tires", "Snow tires are only required on two wheels", "whee, I'm sliding, this is fun" and so forth.

Last night was this year's event. In the thirty miles from Colchester to New Haven I observed about 50 sites with a vehicle off the road or clear signs where one had been. The conditions? Some wet snow, falling temperature and a north wind and traffic on unsalted roads to turn the snow into black ice.

As the winter goes on, most learn to drive and to equip their vehicles suitably; they appear to forget by the following year.