Ice - A Shared Fear

Getting ready for Snowmageddon in Cape Girardeau

So many of us have stories about driving on icy roadways. Just bring up the subject on a day like today - "Snowmageddon," some wag called it, and the anecdotal stories come out of the woodwork. My own ice story is simple and to the point. Driving a Ford Escort station wagon on a very early Sunday morning three decades ago, my vehicle began to cross an elevated roadway. The moment my tires made contact, I knew it was trouble. "Hang on, sweetie," my wife was advised. I couldn't slow down and I couldn't turn and just ahead was a panel truck moving more slowly than I. Minor injuries, none requiring hospitalization and more than $4,000 damage to the front end. The insurance company refused to total the vehicle and after repair, it was never the same again. I have a deep and abiding respect - OK, call it what it is, a fear for ice. It's what you can't see that can hurt you, isn't it?