I just got done running a bunch of errands for my wife and myself, from Menards to south Walmart and points in between.  I’m glad to count myself not among one of the unlucky drivers rammed by an out-of-state “new arrival” winter driving noob, or who kissed a curb because a seemingly innocent looking turning lane was actually a rocket chute to disaster, or who realized that being able to brake or turn safely is a privilege not always available to everyone.  No, I was one of the lucky drivers who was able to drift around town in four wheel drive with my Spidey sense tingling but made it home intact.

I had to run to the south Walmart in my travels, so I thought I’d inspect the Public Works building on South 26th Street to see what kind of preparations were underway.  After all, tomorrow morning brings the start of a busy work week, and seemingly every intersection in town has been glazed to Zamboni-esque perfection.  As you can see above, those responsible for making things safe for local drivers must be tucked snugly away with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads or something.

It was maddening to see absolutely ZERO sand or gravel applied to major intersections. For example, the top of 9th Street – where one turns onto State Street to continue north – had a particular mirror-like sheen that made the right turn extremely treacherous, and doing so without either ramming a curb or drifting into the adjacent lane a feat of skill.  Then to see that apparently nobody’s gearing up to do it later is infuriating.  Crashing is dangerous and expensive.

This reminds me of when I left Bismarck to attend NDSU.  I looked outside in astonishment that the City of Fargo was actually plowing the streets while it was still snowing!  I’d never seen anything like that.  No matter how bad and impassible Bismarck roads seem to get, it becomes apparent that someone must make the decision to keep all snow removal assets in the garage until the snow stops.  After all, we’d hate to have to clear a street twice, wouldn’t we?

Watch out in the morning.  You’ve been warned.