Two days in a row I had clear indications that someone (God) is looking out for me.
Friday afternoon I spent about an hour shoveling the snow and ice off the driveway around my car and clearing my car off. I *really* wanted to get out and did need some groceries (after having been stuck in the house since Monday.) So ... off I went.
Getting out of the neighborhood wasn't too bad. 35 (highway) was pretty backed up, so I decided to take the access road. For the first bit, the access road wasn't too bad - it was made into one lane instead of three due to the snow and other ice/dirt/sand, etc. Then I started going up the hill to where I turn left at a stoplight. There were two cars already stopped at the light. I started slowing down immediately -- but it wasn't soon enough. I could feel that my car was not going to stop.
I started to pump on the brakes and tried to turn with the slide. I ended up stopped not even 1/2" from the rear bumper of the car in front of me, turned sideways into the other lane. Thankfully no one else was around.
I was really questioning just *why* I wanted to go out.
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This morning I debated for quite awhile about the wisdom of going out to church. I have what is a 40 - 45 minute drive on a beautiful and clear day. Knowing that there would probably be kids coming for Primary (aged 2nd grade to ten years) and that J would be counting on me to help count money... I made the decision to go.
I decided to wear pants and flats. I don't remember the last time I wore pants or flats to church - if ever. Thankfully I wasn't the only one who did that. 
About 8 minutes into my drive as I was getting off 35 (highway) and on to 170 (a minor roadway) I started sliding again. Again, I attempted to control the slide by pumping my brakes and steering with it. Thankfully, there were no cars around me. Five minutes later, at least ten or more cars were heading down that same ramp.
I ended up sliding into the curb. After stopping, I backed up and went to a gas station that was right nearby to check damage. As far as I could tell, I had not damaged the tire or anything else. I didn't notice any pulling as I was driving either. Hopefully the only damage was to my nerves!
I took a snails pace all along 170 and then 114. Parts of the roads were clear, but parts were still clearly covered in ice - only with ruts from previous vehicles. I saw numerous vehicles in ditches or rammed into side rails. Several times I did a little slipping and sliding while managing to keep moving forward. I noticed a number of other vehicles doing the same. Finally I reached 121 where I had clear, dry roads.
My 45 minute drive took an extra 30 minutes.
Coming home, it was 47 degrees Celsius and everything was melting.
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Whooh!
Road Hazzards
February 6th, 2011 at 12:16 am
February 6th, 2011 at 01:32 am 1296955945
February 6th, 2011 at 01:36 am 1296956209
February 6th, 2011 at 01:55 am 1296957329
February 6th, 2011 at 03:43 am 1296963830
February 6th, 2011 at 04:04 am 1296965051
February 6th, 2011 at 04:04 am 1296965056
February 6th, 2011 at 04:21 am 1296966099
February 6th, 2011 at 06:27 pm 1297016865