By Carl Potter, CSP

Some have already experienced the effects of the “Global Warming Summit.”  Weather is changing and if the Midwest continues to get snow and cold weather would prevail throughout the year, we would have a glacier in Omaha and maybe St. Joe, Missouri!  Well, I guess that is enough sarcasm for now, but the weather can get bad in a hurry, so beware.

Soon many of you will not be at work where the rules for driving safe are enforced -- rules such as refraining from talking or texting on cell phones while driving, using chains when required, slowing down to a speed that meets current road conditions, etc.  When you are operating your personal vehicle, the risk level is your choice and not the boss’s.  What risk level will you choose when driving you and your family to grandma’s house?

Holiday seasons are continually marred with families killed on America’s highways and pilots who try to make the trip when the best decision was to stay home.  My decision pattern as a pilot can result in, “Hi, sorry we are late.”  But that is better than the phone call or the news bulletin saying, “Bad weather has claimed the lives of the (you fill in the blank) family as they travelled to their family Christmas gathering.”  Set your travel goal this season to arrive safely without incidents.  Make time to plan your travel and then follow your plan.

If you are travelling a long distance, be sure to take warm clothes, some blankets, water and some survival food.  If the highway is closed or you are forced to spend the night on the side of the road, you will be glad that you prepared.  On the other hand, don’t take that short trip across town for granted.  Remember that most vehicular wrecks happen within a 20 mile radius of your home.  If you are involved in a wreck and nobody is injured, that is good, but arriving without any vehicle damage is great.  No vehicle damage means not spending any money on deductibles to have repairs made.  The bottom line goal for all of your holiday season trips should be no damage and no injuries.

This is the season my family will celebrate Christmas.  The Potter family would like to encourage you to not just review the old story about Santa Clause and his reindeer on the roof top.  Take the time to look up the story of why the Christmas Season exists (Bible: Matthew 1:18 through 2:23).  There is much hoopla about offending people by saying, “Merry Christmas”, but for someone who believes the story, wishing you and your family a “Merry Christmas” is my way of celebrating the true gift of the Christmas season.

Please accept a heart felt “Merry Christmas” and the hope of an injury-free 2010 from all of us at Potter and Associates International, Inc. and the entire Potter family… Oh yea, and to all a good night!