Winter Ztorm?

The Pacific NorthWest sometimes never ceases to surprise me.

This is an area of endless natural beauty, of mountains, of sunshine, of rain, of wind, of ocean and archipelago. In the winter time we expect (and hope for) snow. Plenty of it. It is what provides the water needed to support an evergrowing population the the Puget Sound region, it is what provides "the base" for one of the best past times ever; skiing. It is also stunningly beautiful! A filthy dirty area can temporarily be "cleaned up" by a decent layer of the white fluff.

So, when we finally get some snow in the mountains, it is the main headline on the news, it generates an emergency declaration by the Governor, and it creates havoc for people driving. Why?

I can understand that it is of a great inconvenience to be landlocked on either side of the mountain when WSDOT is forced to close the roads due to overwhelming avalanche danger. But a little (or a lot) of snow on the road should not be antyhing that stops traffic. In most other countries, traffic just continuous, albeit at a little bit slower pace.
Here, even when a large portion of drivers are humming around in AWD or 4x4 vehicles, traffic is chaotic when snow's on the ground. Elsewhere, small Fiats, VWs, Renaults, or Saabs and Volvos do just fine in the snow. Here, people can't even drive vehicles that have high clearance, big wheels AND all-wheel-drive. State Patrol is forced to shut down the freeway long before there's any snow on the ground.

But a little snowfall (yes, even if it is measured in feet...) is no catastrophy. It is an expected winter occurrence and it has been like that for thousand of years. Why can't we learn to live with it? No, for some reason, we have to follow the lowest common denominator and close schools and workplaces, advice people that it is slippery outside, that "snow" is something that is "dangerous" and has to be avoided at all cost.

A distant friend in California got the following sent to her from her HR department. Her take on it was that Americans are no Vikings. I could not agree more...

• Walking on snow or ice is especially treacherous and wearing proper footwear is essential. A pair of well insulated boots with good rubber treads is a must for walking during or after a winter storm. Keeping a pair of rubber over-shoes with good treads which fit over your street shoes is a good idea during the winter months.
  
  When walking on an icy or snow-covered walkway, take short steps and walk at a slower pace so you can react quickly to a change in traction.
  When walking on a sidewalk which has not been cleared and you must walk in the street, walk against the traffic and as close to the curb as you can.
  
  Be on the lookout for vehicles which may have lost traction and are slipping towards you. Be aware that approaching vehicles may not be able to stop at crosswalks or traffic signals.
  
  At night, wear bright clothing or reflective gear, as dark clothing will make it difficult for motorists to see you.
  
  During the daytime, wear sunglasses to help you see better and avoid hazards.

All makes sense, but why does it have to be so "regulated? Set the winter Free! Now!