'Bee' careful out there this winter

It's called snow and ice. Remember?

The police scanner in the Daily Bee lit up like a Christmas tree Friday afternoon as report after report came across concerning slideoffs, fender benders and other cold-weather-related maladies.

You would just shake your head about all of this bad driving if it weren't so serious.

The sudden influx of snow (called white fungus by some) is an annual event here. The fact you can count on snow on the ground every December or so, doesn't make it easier to drive.

For your sake and for those around you:

• Leave earlier than you need to if you are driving in bad weather.

• Take your foot off the gas way before you think about hitting the brake.

• Give yourself room.

• Forget the cell phone. Forget the latte in your hand. Stay engaged when driving and look down the road ahead of where you are driving to anticipate problems.

• If you drink, don't drive. Really.

• The area above is left intentionally blank for you to fill in a list of people who would miss you if you are killed driving too fast for these wintery conditions.

David Keyes is publisher of the Daily Bee.