We're about halfway through day 2 of a multi-day snowsquall event here. And while other Canadians might be wont to beat the crap outta me for saying this: I love a good snowsquall. It's amazing to sit and stare out the window and feel like you're in a swirling snow globe; to marvel at just how far you can't see for the life of you.

But the "sitting and staring out the window" part is key. Being nestled up all warm, cozy, and secure indoors while Big Weather blows in is one of the most amazing feelings in the world. But it makes me reflect on how fortunate I am not to be subject to the whims of the weather, and think about the folks for whom that's not true.

Well...winter is here, and like usual, the first few snowfalls are resulting in dozens of crashes as people forget their winter driving skills and neglect to take the slippery conditions into account.

In the spirit of a gentle reminder, then, here's a little screed that an officer at the local provincial police detachment attached to the end of a press release after a first snowfall a few years ago. While I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir when it comes to my flist, perhaps some of you might want to print it out and tape it up over the water cooler at work or something. =)

(edited to improve spelling, grammar, and presentation.)

SLOW DOWN --- SLOW DOWN --- SLOW DOWN --- SLOW DOWN

Every winter the OPP investigates numerous collisions that result in death, injuries and property damage that never did have to happen.

Every year we ask and tell the driving public to slow down and adjust your driving to the weather conditions when you see ice, snow, rain, fog or any other inclement weather.

Every winter we investigate collisions where the driving public ignores this tidbit of advice and are unnecessarily injured or killed because they insisted on travelling at or above the posted speed limit during an ice or snow storm.

Every winter, since the inception of time, we always get bad winter storms that make for hazardous driving conditions.

Every winter we will continue to call the tow trucks, ambulance, or funeral homes for body removal because YOU JUST WON'T SLOW DOWN!!!

This winter let's do our collective best to prove us wrong!!!

SLOW DOWN IN BAD WEATHER AND LIVE TO SEE ANOTHER DAY!