Gwynn Thompson

Maci Robbins and Hayley Scherer giving an example of how unsafe it can be outside on the roads.

Although December in Idaho did not give us a lot of snow, nor a white Christmas, it all came to us in January. Starting around the second week into the 2024 season, temperatures began to drop. Not only did the temperature fall, but so did snow. It was now a perfect time for people to sled, ski, and snowboard. Not so perfect weather for driving though.

The inches of snow brought many accidents, especially to young drivers. When there is snow, you can also expect ice. So, slipping and sliding was guaranteed. Due to the dangerous conditions West Ada called 3 snow days in the span of two weeks. Except the days students had school in this climate, some Rocky students experienced a couple of difficulties.

A Junior, Ariana Brundage was driving at 5:30am to pick up a friend to head to practice. All was well and no issues were brought about. Until she had almost safely gotten to her friends house. Before stopping she began to slide and realized she could not save herself. Her car slid right into a tree and damaged her bumper pretty badly. Luckily she was safe. Ariana said, “all though I didn’t hit the tree that hard, it still ruined my bumper and could have been way worse.”

Ariana was right, the accident could have been very harmful but just goes to show even when being careful the icy roads are always dangerous.

Other stories have been heard about plenty of Rocky students having the same experience. Many have slid into signs or gone over curbs, walking away with either no damages or possibly a crooked tire. These types of damages are never guaranteed. Students have also witnessed other strangers doing the exact same thing around town.

Hailee Lunt (Sophomore) was driving back into the school parking lot after lunch and saw another car turn and slide over a curb into a stop sign. Hailee says the student was ok but not so much the car. His tire axel was ruined causing the tire to be turned in and incapable of driving.

All in all, Idaho climates are very scary, not only for young drivers but as well as experienced drivers. These conditions can be hazardous and unsafe no matter how cautious you are. Numerous disasters are never seen in advanced. So always be on the defensive and stay safe!