I read some of the British papers and it’s always dire news when they have snow. I guess they never used to get so much, not enough anyway to be fully prepared for it. But now that they increasingly do, it just seems unwise not to plan or budget for it? Snow closes major airports, causes pile ups in the motorway, classes are cancelled and workers unable to get to work. Surely, it must cost millions in lost revenues?
So how does Switzerland do it? Well, the way they’ve coped with being landlocked and having not much in natural resources - they plan really well and use everything. The state has a dedicated fleet of snow ploughs both for the street and mini ones for the sidewalks. There is only 1 car for every 2 people in Switzerland, so getting the sidewalks clear for children to walk to school or for people to get to bus stops and train stations is just as important, probably more so as the heavier the snowfall, the more likely it is for people to ditch the car and take the train. They also utilise most heavy vehicles from farms that are not in used in winter. They are given clip-on snowploughs and so it’s not just the main roads that are cleared but practically every country road. They also work through the night to make sure the roads are cleared before the rush hour. I’m often woken up with the flashing amber lights of the snowploughs coupled with the noise of scraping and straining. I find it comforting knowing that I don’t have to get up earlier because the roads will be clear anyway. I simply turn over and fall asleep again.
For drivers, winter tyres are essential . We change from summer tyres to winter tyres from October. It is a misconception that you only need winter tyres when there is snow and ice. It is actually recommended when temperatures go below 7C (46F). There is no way around it. People question the cost and storage of a set of winter tyres but it’s actually cheaper. Two sets of tyres lasts twice as long if not longer because they are used for ideal conditions that reduces wear and tear. What is expensive is calling a tow truck, an accident, increased insurance premiums, an injury or buying a new car. But the most humiliating aspect of not having winter tyres is the most colourful language hurled at you as other drivers manoeuver past your stuck car. Not fun…
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