Every morning on my way to work, I thank my lucky stars when I make it past “the spot” where I spun out last winter.

On roads slick or sunny, damp or dry, I drop my speed, maneuver my Honda Civic, and breathe a huge sigh of relief when that curve near the Pfizer plant (on Portage Road in downtown Kalamazoo for anyone who knows and/or cares) is behind me, a thing of the past in my rearview mirror.

You see, last winter I had my first real accident (hitting inanimate objects like poles in parking garages doesn’t count). And it scared the bejeezus out of me.

Anyone who knows me well will confirm that I’m not much of a driver. In fact, thanks to N.J. state law, I didn’t get my license until my senior year in high school, and even then I didn’t drive in snow. (more…)