Risky Business 3 Types of Dangerous Drivers We All Have to Watch For
Not Just a Corn Cob Pipe and Button Nose The Surprising History of the Snowman
Dangerous driving behavior is something we see all the time. While it’s a year-round issue for commuters throughout the Seattle area, the holidays often magnify the problem because more people are out and about shopping or visiting family. Even in the age of COVID-19, traffic is bad. For the average motorist, driving defensively and attentively can be lifesaving. As you hit the road this holiday season, be on the lookout for these types of dangerous drivers. Speeders Drivers who speed because they are in a hurry or feel that the posted speed limit doesn’t apply to them can often miss critical details and potential hazards. Speeding reduces the amount of time a driver has to react to hazards on and around the road, including debris, potholes, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Frequent Lane Changers They never seem to be happy with whichever lane they’re in. They weave in and out of traffic, hoping to get to their destination a few seconds faster — and then you always catch up to them at the next light. This behavior can force other drivers to swerve or hit the brakes, which is one of the leading causes of rear- end collisions. Distracted Drivers While texting and driving is illegal in Washington, many people still do it. Texting and driving poses an immense risk and is considered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to be deadlier than drinking and driving. It’s especially deadly among younger drivers ages 16–24. Distracted driving isn’t limited to phone usage. Any activity that takes your eyes and attention off the road is considered distracted driving. This includes reaching for an item, eating, grooming, and even gawking at an incident along the road. Any of these actions can carry serious consequences. Be careful out there!
Building a snowman is one of the most picturesque winter activities, which is why snowmen have become a wintertime cultural icon. A snowman appeared on the very first postcards, was the subject of some of the earliest photos, and even starred in silent movies. Frosty may be a happy snowman now, but his ancestors have a much more varied — and sometimes dark — history. The Middle Ages Snowmen were a phenomenon in the Middle Ages. They were constructed with deep thought and great skill because, during a time of limited means of expression, snow was a free art supply that literally fell from the sky. These artistic feats were popular winter attractions for well- to-do couples who wanted to get their fix of temporary art. Snowmen were often created by famous artists, including 19-year-old Michelangelo who, in 1494, was commissioned by the ruler of Florence to sculpt a snowman in his mansion’s courtyard. temperatures called the Winter of Death, the city was miraculously adorned with hundreds of snowmen. The spectacle told stories on every street corner — some political and some demonstrating anger with the church, many too risque to speak of. For the people of Brussels, this Miracle of 1511 was a defining moment of artistic freedom. But when spring came and the snow thawed, the Belgians were left with damaging floods. The Schenectady Massacre Not all snowmen have an innocent history. In 1690, former Fort Schenectady in upstate New York was home to a remote Dutch settlement, which was under the constant threat of attack. Soldiers guarded the gates at all times because they were frozen open, but during a blizzard, they left a pair of snowmen to protect the gates while they sought shelter. That’s when 200 French Canadian soldiers and Native Americans approached. Naturally, they were unfazed by the snowmen and ruthlessly invaded the settlement. The Miracle of 1511 In Brussels in 1511, during six weeks of subzero Building a snowman seems like a simple and charming activity, but after learning about its surprising history, you might find those piles of snow seem a little more complicated and a lot more meaningful than before.
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