[lchengify]

So I've driven Route 50 between Tahoe and Placerville a few times. Many of these times the weather has been quite bad. Many of these times I've had to wait for hours while an accident was cleared, or 12 foot snow drifts were plowed.

When I'm traveling in mountain snow, I'm always very neurotic about prep. AWD or 4x4, water, chains, food, emergency kits, etc ... I always assume I could be stuck for 24 hours or more.

In the meantime, I am constantly shocked by how many people make this trek with little or no respect for how deadly snow can be. The worst of it is when it puts others in danger: I'll never forget seeing a front-wheel drive sedan repeatedly driving up, then slipping back on a steep hill, while a line of 20 cars waited behind it.

Part of it is just not knowing (I grew up in the east coast), but part of it is just human nature to not understand some things to be inherently dangerous. Snow and cold looks so serene, but cold in it's various forms has killed many more people than heat.

[Johnny555]

>Many of these times the weather has been quite bad...In the meantime, I am constantly shocked by how many people make this trek with little or no respect for how deadly snow can be

I'm amazed at how many people make this trek during a snowstorm. I get that some people have family, work or other obligations and have a strong reason to make the trip, but most are just going up to ski.

[stickfigure]

I've driven both the 50 and 80 dozens of times in snowstorms. Yes, usually to ski (or come home from said activity).

It's just not that deadly. Literally, people don't die in snowstorms on the 50 or 80. I can't find record of any weather related automobile deaths. I'm sure it must have happened, but not in recent history.

Certainly travel in these conditions is not without risks, but I'm pretty sure the bigger risk for the day is on the slope. People get carried off in stretchers every day from every resort.

Which is not to say that everyone should do it - be equipped, have snow driving skills, and be prepared for the worst (stuck for many hours, which can happen). But don't overstate the risks or be so priggish (new word of the day) about the people who take them.