Stay off the interstates in bad weather

While watching local TV coverage of the recent severe storms I was struck by the hypocrisy of the meteorologists who exhorted viewers to stay safe and off the roads and then announced they were sending a reporter down Interstate 380 to check out the conditions. The reporter called in stating she had to pull off because of low visibility and hydroplaning cars.

As a daily commuter who has to be on I-380, I do not appreciate additional cars on the roads in bad weather, endangering us when they have no reason to be out there. Pulling off is very dangerous in low visibility as it is difficult to see these cars along the side. Also, had this reporter gotten into an accident, it would have required EMS crews to endanger their lives to come scoop her up.

Today IDOT apps and overhead cams give us road conditions, so we do not need anyone out there telling us the roads are bad. I urge local stations to rethink the purpose of sending out these road warriors and practice what they preach. No one's life is worth losing in pursuit of a weather story.

Barb Hannon

Cedar Rapids