Tag: Safety

Rain and Driving

This may be considered a pet peave of mine, and I have shared comments about it before.

I made a trip to Cassville this morning in the rain; and I noticed many folks driving without their headlights on; not even park lights, or any kind of light.

Let me get this straight in my mind, and maybe in yours too.  I know you can see; after all it is daylight, the sun is up. I know you can see because you are smart enough to know not to drive if you cannot see.

I know you can see; but can you be seen? Headlights on enable the oncoming driver to see you.  Seeing you in the distance in case he/she might be following a slower drive he/she might need to get around.

Some of you use your automatic on, but do you know when the light is bright enough, as it is quite often when it is raining, they do not come on automatically.  You must switch the switch to the on position.

I am sharing this because it is a great safety issue in driving our cars and trucks on the roads and highways. Let me suggest one thing; use your headlight switch.  Not only is it a good idea to drive with headlights on in the rain, snow, sleet, fog, and the dark.  It is also the State law in the State of Missouri. If your windshield wipers are on you must have your headlights on.

The next time you get in your car or truck to drive, and it is raining, turn on your headlights. It could save someone’s life; even your own.

From the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

Snow and Cold

It warmed to 52 degrees yesterday morning, then the temp started going down, down, down.

Last night when I went to bed it had gone all the way down to the low twenties.  This morning when I got up it was 18 degrees, and just a moment ago it was 15 degrees.

We also received a bit of snow.  At the moment there has been no cancellation of our school.  So I will be leaving to drive a bus in a while.

Everyone be safe out there this morning.  Have a great day.

From the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

Coldest Day – So Far

When I came into my living room this morning about 4:45 the thermometer read minus two (-2) degrees.  Thirty minutes later it was at -3 degrees.  The last time a took a look it was at -4 degrees.

I just took a minute and looked again; now it is at -5 degrees.  Is that what is called, “Dropping like a rock”?  I guess it could drop a bit faster.

I am sure thankful this morning though.  Thankful for a nice warm home.  Thankful for flowing water.  Thankful for many things.

I am praying this morning for all the farmers who will need to be, and already are out in this snow and cold caring for their cattle, and other livestock.  For those who are maintaining our roads; praying for their wisdom and safety.  For the EMT’s, and other emergency personnel.  May I add, if you do not need to be out, stay in, and stay warm.

One more thing;  if you just have to get out and drive on the  highways turn on your headlights.  It is good to be seen; not just able to see.  It is a matter of safety; not just yours but others who are out as well.

-tim

Hymn – “O Safe to the Rock”

O SAFE TO THE ROCK

1.  O safe to the Rock that is higher than I,  My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly;  So sinful, so weary, Thine own would I be;  Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.

refrain

Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,  Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.

2.  In the calm of the noontide, in the sorrow’s lone hour,  In times when temptation casts o’er me its power;  In the tempests of life, on its wide, heaving sea,  Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.

3.  How oft in the conflict, when press’d by the foe,  I have fled to my refuge and breath’d out my woe;  How often, when trials like sea billows roll,  Have I hidden in Thee,  O Thou Rock of my soul.

William O. Cushing, 1823-1902

Ira D. Sankey, 1840-1908

Go and join your brothers and sisters in Christ worshipping the Lord in Spirit and in Truth today.

-Tim

School Has Started Again

Cassville R-IV Schools began on August 18, 2011.  And man, did my route change.  It is a little longer.
I now go down to the place by the Lake I did when I first took the route four years ago.  Down there I pick up two little girls who are a couple of sweet little girls, but need to learn how to stay in their seats, and be quiet; especially one of them; the youngest.

I do not think people realize how much of a distraction moving around and a loud voice can be to a bus driver.  It really is though.  One sudden move can call the driver’s attention to the mirror and away from the road.  Sure we have training, and experience, yet, even the best and most professional driver can mess up, by a child’s scream and such as that.

If you are a parent; please teach your small children to be seated; and a non-distraction.  It will go a long way in a peaceful ride on the School Bus and a long life for your child and the others on the bus.
I do not want to see any of them hurt, nor do I enjoy the idea of taking them to see their Principal.  If I must though, I must and will do so.
I will be taking care of; and most drivers I know will be taking good care of your children on the way to school.  There is no other way.
Tim A. Blankenship