Safe Commutes Thanks to You

As we dig out from the latest round of snowfall, I am reminded of everyone who keeps us informed and safe on the road. Most people never stop to think about all of the people that make the inconveniences of an Ohio winter more tolerable.

It begins with those at the National Weather Service who follow the approaching systems, informing the media, government agencies and the general public about potential dangers. When winter storm advisories are issued, local officials review equipment, supplies and manpower to be sure people are prepared.

Local media outlets gather information and begin reporting what they have learned Newspapers generally prepare to report on the aftermath of the storm, while posting breaking news online.

In outlying areas, power outages can present an additional problem during a winter storm. When I was growing up in rural Greene County, all it took to knock out power service was a slight breeze and a couple of snowflakes. Today, power company crews work to stay ahead of these problems wherever possible.

When there is a service outage, technicians bear harsh conditions working with highly dangerous equipment to get power restored as soon as possible. I don't personally know anyone in a job like this but given the inherent dangers of the occupation I think these workers are particularly underappreciated.

As the remnants of Hurricane Ike swept through the Miami Valley in 2008, crews from all of the local service providers worked around the clock to restore a myriad of downed power lines and damaged transformers. In many cases, those efforts were repaid with protests and insults from those who didn't think they did their jobs fast enough.

I don't think it ever occurred to the hecklers that these men and women probably had families sitting at home in the dark too and they were doing everything they could to resolve the situation. Snow plow drivers often face similar rebuke from the general public.

Salt crews work around the clock, plowing and treating the streets in an effort to stay ahead of the deteriorating travel conditions. Sure, they may take out a mailbox or two here and there but critics should try maneuvering one of those tucks in the dark with reduced visibility and inconsiderate, ungrateful motorists on the streets.

As the snow accumulates, producers and assignment editors send reporters around the area for a first-hand look at the situation. One morning, during a particularly heavy snow, I recall watching Gabrielle Enright, a reporter for WHIO television news in Dayton, who was standing alongside a deserted truck stop near I-70.

I don't know when it became popular to throw television news reporters out into the weather, but it can't be fun to get up at 3 a.m. and head out into the snow. It was still dark outside and Gabrielle was bundled up so much all you could see was her face.

Of course, her counterparts from other stations were similarly marooned along some desolate roadside buried in snow while trying to bring us the latest information on a commute no one really wanted to make. To my friends in television media I offer my thanks for your sacrifices, tip my hat and say, "It's all yours. I'll watch you from my nice warm office."

In addition to road crews and the news media, those in the public safety and medical arts deserve a round of applause as well. From doctors to home health care aides, fire fighters to police officers, there are people who depend on you every day and your efforts are greatly appreciated by those you serve.

My final thanks go out to everyone who uses good old-fashioned common sense when driving in bad weather. We all know the dangers of distracted driving but those dangers multiply exponentially when the road conditions become less than ideal.

If you tend to talk on your cell phone, fiddle with the radio or chain smoke while driving, please do the rest of us a favor and hold off from these activities, at least during bad weather. Take your time getting where you want to go, maintain a safe distance from the car ahead of you in traffic and, above all, stay focused.

To everyone I have mentioned, and anyone I left out - your efforts to make life easier during winter's assault are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

More from columnist Gery L. Deer online at www.gerydeer.com