Eyes on the road

Unless you’ve sworn off any type of media this past week, you’re well aware of the impact the recent moisture has had on Wind River Canyon and the impediments facing those trying to travel into and out of Thermopolis.

True, there were alternate routes for those who wanted to dare them, but there comes a point when you have to consider your own safety against getting to your destinations. Satellite navigation systems are all well and good for giving you another way to get to where you’re going, but they’re not a substitute for your own senses; this includes the sixth one — common.

As the rains first started last week, reports came in of vehicles getting stuck on the road through the canyon and other highways deemed unsafe or closed. As the weather went from bad to worse, it still didn’t stop drivers from making some attempts to drive roads that might be considered hazardous even on a good day.

Whether using a guidance system or not, there simply comes a point when you have to look at the road and ask yourself a couple questions: “Can my vehicle make this?” and “Should I really be trying?”

Unfortunately, emergencies come up which do necessitate travel in difficult conditions. For everything else, calls can be made ahead of time not only to those waiting at our planned destinations, but also to departments such as the Wyoming Department of Transportation or local law enforcement, to get up-to-date road conditions or make alternate arrangements for visits. It’s simply not worth risking your life — your own, your passengers’ or your vehicle’s — to try and stick to a set schedule.

Being a weekly newspaper, we rely on our Facebook page to provide you with updates as they are happening in these situations. However, we’re not psychic and can’t provide you with information we don’t know, such as when certain routes are open. Rest assured, though, that as soon we know something we work quickly to make sure you do.

On a final note, if you happen to know someone who works for WYDOT, or even recognize one of the workers from driving through the canyon, shake their hand, if only to thank them for getting the roads clear and open. There are some who will say it’s because of WYDOT the landslides are happening. Let’s not forget it’s Big Ma Nature who carved out that canyon in the first place, and it’s up to her to decide when she’s done working on it.