OUR VIEW: There is no sub for caution this winter

Ahhhh … winter. Fresh snow coats the ground. Deer hoofprints are visible in parking lots and across walks.

It’s a time for irony. The radio stations blare songs like “Soak up the Sun,” by Sheryl Crow; “Hot in Herre,” by Nelly; “Walkin’ on the Sun,” by Smash Mouth — the list could go on. It seems like the DJs are trying to remind everyone of a warmer time, a happier time, a time when going outside didn’t chill one to the core — last week perhaps?

The point is that it is nice and cold outside, so cold that the melted snow quickly turns to ice when darkness falls. It’s time to be careful.

When driving, please remember to drive slower than normal. Skidding is incredibly easy on ice. Tuesday night showed the roads were better left alone. Even with antilock brakes, cars continue to roll forward instead of sliding, but not as quickly as one would hope.

Remember that a car can easily become a dangerous weapon on the road.

Winter is a time for fun and flirting, tubing and tobogganing, snowballs and cider. Keep it that way. Make sure all of the fun that can be had will be had this season. Cache Valley can be a winter wonderland, or it can become a frigid hell fraught with accidents, twisted metal and broken bones.

Just exercise caution. Remember to be aware of other drivers and road conditions. That way, winter can retain all of its potential magic.