One Creighton student drove off the road last Thursday, Feb. 19 during the winter storm.

Driving in Omaha in perfect conditions, it’s a miracle if we make it to our destination between dodging construction, potholes and other distracted drivers flying down the road. These pre-existing dangers of driving beg the question:  Why add snow and ice to that potent mix in hot pursuit of a Raising Cane’s Box Combo? 

Now, as a college student, I would do a lot for a delicious box combo and some entertainment, but one does not need to graduate from Creighton with a Bachelor’s degree in physics to know that the friction coefficient of car tires on ice is far lower than that of car tires on dry concrete. In plain language, low friction = loss of control, and packed snow and ice on a road spell out a series of unfortunate events for any unsuspecting (or suspecting) students who think they can out-drive Mother Nature to the local Raising Cane’s. 

Given this, it is apparently important to reinforce that students must resist the urge to venture out for non-essential reasons amidst winter storm conditions, so they won’t be hurt or killed. Many will hear this advice and think it does not apply to them through some overconfident rationalization.  

The Midwestern Laundry List of Convincing Excuses to Travel that your mind (or your peers) may present you with is never-ending. One of my personal favorites: “My car is All-Wheel Drive!” Perfect! Now all four of your tires can lose traction while you slide off the road, because physics still wins that battle for control every time. Another personal favorite: “But my tires are all-weather!” Lovely! How do they work while sliding towards another car, inundated with wet snow and ice? 

Creighton students, by not succumbing to these common delusions of safety rooted in perceived invincibility, unnecessary personal injury and collisions are preventable. Next time the roads are covered in fluffy white snow, don’t let it be lost on you that your life is worth more than that of a scrumptious Cox combo and a lemonade. Stay home and stay safe, Creighton.