Stay home: Officials issue wise warning as community waits for next snow

There will be some people who will pay no attention to the warning issued by the Goldsboro Police Department.

The cops are telling community members to stay home tonight as another round of snow and ice is forecast for the region.

It might seem like silly advice -- especially for those from out-of-town who might think that they certainly can drive in the snow.

But here's the truth: It might be that you can, but you really shouldn't.

And here's why.

Weather conditions change quickly during storms like this. You might be fine when you set out on your errand tonight, but could find that the just wet road you initially found is now snow-covered.

And while NCDOT crews will likely be out most of the day brining and preparing, there are limits to what they can do and how effective the materials they have will be.

And there is something else to consider as well.

If you hit one of those icy patches, which are hard to see when it gets dark, you could slide into oncoming traffic. And if you do, you will be one more accident to which the city police, sheriff's deputies and Highway Patrol troopers will have to respond.

Being out on the side of the roadway is not just dangerous for you -- it is also a risk for the men and women who serve this community in law enforcement.

Also, the fewer times they have to respond to unnecessary crashes, the more available they are for real emergencies.

And that is what we want.

So, rent a movie, pop some popcorn and stay inside tonight.

It is safer for all of us.

Published in Editorials on February 25, 2015 11:17 AM