OUR VIEW

Like children at Christmas, or Hollywood execs at sweeps weeks, the buzz is rampant and we’re just curious enough to see if they’re going to be right.

After all, life predicting weather is the most exact of sciences and the good folks on our TV screens are always right. (Pardon the sacrcasm; they admit they are not. And it’s not their fault. Things happen.)

On a more serious note, from Manteo to Murphy, there’s been discussion for a week on not just whether but how much winter precipitation — snow — will fall and where. We saw one map that split the state into zones for how many loaves of bread would be bought by households.

Indeed, we are a bunch that empties shelves of bread and milk at the mere mention of the “S” word.

Tough deal, really. It makes no sense for the state Department of Transportation to hoard up remedies and fixes for the stuff — and we’re mainly talking wet snow, ice, etc. — when budgets are tight and chances of getting any year to year are so hit and miss with mostly miss. The people in charge, it could be said, think in moderation. They can handle a little, not a lot.

Of course, it’s worse in the bigger cities. Who can forget less than a quarter-inch of ice snarling Raleigh several years ago? The beltline was a parking lot.

Winter weather does happen. But truth is, any of us could lose power or have other unexpected problems during the winter other than just a snowy day. Like we advise in the summer for hurricanes, having a survival kit for the season is always a good idea.

As for this weekend or any other time when winter weather will affect driving, here’s a few of the tips from the DOT. More are on its website. Remember, if weather is bad and there’s not a necessity to go out, then don’t. Just that simple.

Before driving, have a supply kit that includes an ice scraper, snow brush, extra windshield wiper fluid and anti-freeze and a basic automotive tool kit that includes jumper cables and flares. Put the supply kit in your trunk in case you get stranded. Include a flashlight, first-aid kit, blanket, shovel, sand (to give tires traction), non-perishable snacks and drinking water and safety flares. You might want to include other items based on your personal needs.

Be sure you have at least a half-tank of gas in your vehicle (short commutes can turn into long ones when a storm hits) and a full reservoir of windshield washer fluid.

If venturing out, slow down and maintain a safe following distance between you and other vehicles. Pass with extreme caution. Excessive speed is the No. 1 cause of wrecks in winter weather. Approach bridges and overpasses with extreme caution since they accumulate ice first. Drive smoothly, without sudden accelerating, braking or turning.

Be careful of black ice. Appearing as wet spots on a road, black ice is often the result of melting ice and snow that refreezes into thin layers. The safest way to avoid black ice is to stay off the roads.

Whether our favorite TV folks get it right or wrong, be safe and look out for each other.