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Seattle buses and pedestrians on ice, shaken and stirred
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Bus crashes through I-5 barrier // (c) Associated Press
If you're thinking this picture looks an awful lot like a bus dangling precariously over the edge of the I-5 barrier, well, that's because it is. The dangerously icy conditions in Seattle led to an accident between two charter buses in Capitol Hill today that left locals understandably shaken.
It's especially lucky there were no pedestrians in the way, considering how many people are using walking as their #1 mode of transport right now. I walked (er, skated?) down the Pine St. hill today to take the 194 bus to the airport. Just for the record, the bus to SeaTac is your best bet right now...
On the way down, I wiped out pretty hardcore. At fiirst I laughed at myself for walking like a novice. But as I looked around, people were dropping like flies. It was like a skating rink - except downhill with cars and buses going by. It made me revisit my position on Seattle's preparedness (or lack thereof) for snow storms.
I know, it didn't used to snow in Seattle every year. I know, salt is bad for the roads and environment. And yes, I've considered that plows, sand, and salt would cost taxpayers money going forward. But take one more look at the harrowing crash scene. Now consider the worst-case scenario of what could've been. It seems worth it to me (and my bruised body is willing to foot part of the bill).
Today I landed in the midst of a snowstorm in New Jersey. And it reminded me - a few inches of snow shouldn't shut a major city down for days (trust me, that's more money lost). And it certainly shouldn't result in dangerously icy conditions that leave motorists and pedestrians looking like they're training for the Ice Capades.
To be fair, I know none of us saw this coming. But as more snow is expected to fall on Seattle this weekend, let this winter serve as a guide and a discussion point for how we want our city to respond in the future. But in the meantime, if you are planning on walking to the bus to get to SeaTac, wear sturdy shoes - and some extra padding (seriously).
Once again, happy holidays and safe travels!
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