Offensive MCSD NIXLE message

Gus Philpott
Woodstock Advocate
February 7, 2013

The McHenry County Sheriff's Department just put out this message via NIXLE (6:04PM): "The Route 31 closure, between McHenry and Crystal Lake is creating traffic congestion on other north/south roadways. If you must travel, please be patient. If you do not need to travel, please stay home."

Is anyone else offended by it?

It follows an earlier message at 3:45PM that read: "Please avoid Route 31 between Crystal Lake and McHenry until further notice, due to the hill being unpassable."

What kind of road conditions do they expect? It's winter! It's a blizzard. Deal with it!

Of course, there is traffic congestion on other roads, when a major north-side road is closed. Duhhhh...

Now, children, be patient. Now, children, stay home.

Barf. If you are out in this weather, you know to be patient. You don't need someone telling you to sit there and be still and wait for traffic to clear. Or to drive carefully. Or to be careful of the idiot in front of you with the bald tires on his rolling rust trap. Or that light pick-up with no weight over the back wheels. If you want to go out and drive around, do it. If you get in a wreck or a ditch, ponder your driving habits and knowledge of winter driving conditions, while you are waiting for the tow truck.