Is It Worth Taking The Risk In Snow?

This year, being 2010, has seen the UK severely hit by unexpected weather conditions. Although last year was a very bad time the lead through into the New Year. Cumbria as a whole county was seriously unprepared for the snow in 2009/2010. Many accidents and even fatalities occurred from the hazardous conditions. Lessons were learnt rapidly and the council vowed that they will be better prepared for this the next time round.

Well here we are the next time and are we prepared? The simple answer is a straight no. Surely grit would be evident but unfortunately we find that many Cumbrian Counties are still, if not worse than the previous snow fall. Gritters were only ever seen on the road post snow fall and not seen since. As the weather warms slightly and starts to melt the snow, the sun goes away and approaches night fall, the prime time for temperature to drop and what happens to the melted snow? Yes that's right it freezes and yet not a dingle gritter vehicle in sight. And they wonder why so many accidents happen!

Cumbria being a highly rural area needs better management and more forward thinking, community spirit alone will not get us through. The powers that be need to ensure that each area is prepared, maybe even provide free snow socks for vehicles for people in the more rural area that need the help the most. We too need the forward planning, checking that our oil in our oil tanks is sufficient to see us through the winter, ensure that you always have a stock of tins of soup and such like, again enough to see you through for a few days until help and or access can be gained.

It's also at this of year that we see certain vehicle types shoot up in price and people do not only panic buy in food but are willing to pay over the odds for a vehicle that they think will get them through the worst conditions, please note it's a "buyer beware" world, there are alternatives available for your car that does not incur such a huge outlay. Again forward thinking is better than none at all, the best time of year to make such purchases whether is be a four wheel drive or accessories to assist with snow and ice conditions such as snow tyres or chains or socks then it's worth browsing in the New Year, similar to a squirrel. Stock up in advance.

Yet again we are warned that more bad weather is due to come our thanks to our neighbouring country Greenland, with unusual weather has being caused by high pressure over Greenland. So after the past 2 weeks of chaos have we learned more? With the worst of the weather due to arrive shortly before Christmas let's hope we all have.