During the "Snowmageddon" of last Winter 2009 / 2010, it was obvious that driving would suck, even with the lights out - given that no one in the Maryland / DC area has any idea how to drive in the rain, let alone snow. Thankfully, many employers canceled work or encouraged people with power to work from home so there weren't too many cars on the road.
Without power, I was unable to work so I ventured out to check on my daughter who was with my ex-wife and then on to some gracious friends who invited me over to bask in their heat, hot water, and internet access.
Today I was out and about running errands with my daughter - first we went to The Original Pancacke House for breakfast. Getting there going north on the Rockville Pike was not a problem, but unfortunately I forgot my wallet, so we had to turn around and going south on the Rockville Pike was a nightmare - especially at the intersection of Tuckerman Lane. Most of the traffic lights between The Original Pancake House and downtown Bethesda were out. Tough day for Bethesda's finest!
Thankfully, it seems that a good amount (but still not enough) of people are finally aware that non-functioning traffic lights default to stop signs. That doesn't do much for the flow of traffic, but I hope it at least it helps avoid accidents.
Speaking of which, who pays for their overtime? Should Pepco pay for it? Granted, the storm was intense, but their track record is abysmal, so they get no sympathy from me.
