Road Rage

The roads are terrible.

Snowfalls are nearing record totals, and the constant salting of the roads has corroded all major traffic arteries with jagged potholes. Driving to work today, I felt like a military convoy on the roads in war-torn Bosnia.

Sing it with me -
'Cause we gotta little ol' convoy, rockin' through the night.
Yeah we gotta little ol' convoy; ain't she a beautiful sight?
Come on an' join our convoy, ain't nothin' gonna git in our way!
We're gonna roll this truckin' convoy, cross the USA.
Convoy. Convoy.

The tire stores, body, shops, and snow removal companies are raking it in this year, that’s for sure.

I haven’t been all over Rockford yet, but the roads I HAVE been traveling on are just terrible.

Alpine in the stretch between Spring Creek and Riverside is a HAZARD. When Brett and I took Alpine after Megan’s play last Saturday, I felt like I was in an action movie as Brett swerved dramatically from one side of the road to the other to avoid the deep ruts.

I wanted (desperately) to look out the back window and yell, “Hurry, they’re gaining on us!” An overhead chopper right about that time would have been awesome.

Up for second worst road is Riverside in the stretch between North Main and North Second. Imagine, if you will, driving with three blown tires – BINGO – that’s Riverside by the bridge!

Driving that stretch will also introduce you to Lady Liberty and Male Lady Liberty. These are two people hired by Liberty Tax Service (in the North Towne Mall) to dress as the Statue of Liberty and stand outside in the cold, calf-deep in the snow, waving to passing motorists (who are often also angry motorists due to Riverside’s condition), beckoning them to step inside and get their taxes done.

Just what I want to think about as I’m driving on a dangerous road, worrying about my tires, and lamenting my recently frozen windshield wiper fluid.

Yep, getting my taxes done sounds REAL appealing right about then.

And I always feel sorry for the Liberties. I mean, they stand there in pouring rain, driving snow, and frigid temperatures, just to try to get one person to use the tax service. It’s almost cruel, in a way.

I tell myself maybe these people REALLY needed a job, and this was all that was available. And I suppose, if that’s it, then that’s it.

But it’s not exactly a cheerful thought pulsating in my mind as I struggle down Riverside in the dark.

Auburn Street has its fair share of potholes, as well, and (for now) comes in third on the list.

I’m trying to avoid the worst of it (one accident every 29 years is enough for me, I’d say). If you know of any pitted roads in Rockford, Roscoe, Machesney Park, or Loves Park, please let me know!

Or join my convoy…