Slug Tales
The sound of screeching tires. The smell of burning rubber. The sight of an oversized pick-up veering directly toward my car window.
None of these were things I wanted to experience during a slug ride last week.
There I sat in the front passenger’s seat while slugging home one afternoon, looking down at my phone, having a light-hearted conversation with my best friend over text messages. It had been a rough day for both of us at work, and we were joking to make each other feel better.
Little did I know at the time how much worse things could possibly become.
Suddenly, I heard the driver gasp, and felt the car jerk towards the left shoulder. As I looked up in surprise, I cringed, expecting to collide with the pick-up truck coming over from the right lane.
Luckily, we didn’t.
Thanks to the quick reaction of the driver, we narrowly avoided the accident by the skin of our teeth. She blew the horn at the reckless driver of the truck, who seemed completely oblivious to his wrongdoing.
“He wouldn’t have even stopped if he did hit us!” exclaimed the driver, obviously shaken up and trying to regain her bearings.
I shook my head in agreement, unable to form a response. The driver continued down the HOV lanes silently for the next few minutes, steering clear of the careless driver. We were both somewhat in shock.
“That was close,” she finally mumbled.
As glad I was to have made it through the ride unscathed, it was a terrible feeling that I had in the pit of my stomach.
What if we had gotten into an accident that day? What if the driver hadn’t noticed the truck coming into our lane in time? What if….
I had to stop thinking about what could have happened – instead, I was thankful that it hadn’t. The slug driver was kind enough to drop me off right at my car, with a reminder to get home safely.
“You, too!” I replied, thanking her again.
Of course, accidents happen. They can happen to anyone at any time, as a passenger or as a driver, whether you or someone else is at fault. I’d like to think that all slug drivers, or drivers in general, will exercise caution while on the road, but of course that’s never guaranteed.
So, here’s a Public Service Announcement for all of my fellow commuters and drivers this week: Drive carefully! Remember, it’s not only your safety at stake, but also the safety of your passengers and thousands of other drivers on the Northern Virginia roadways.
Recent Stories
February will be a busy and love-filled month around Prince William County and Manassas with several events and activities scheduled. Take a look at some highlighted events and meetings. Wednesday…
Icy Conditions Possible Wednesday Night – A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Prince William County from 9 p.m. Wednesday to Noon Thursday, with freezing rain and sleet expected. VDOT crews are treating roads, but travel may be hazardous. Limit travel, prepare for icy spots, and stay updated on changing conditions.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted Tuesday to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass Project, ending years of planning and millions of dollars in studies and design work. The decision, which passed with a 5-3 vote, came after a contentious debate over the feasibility and cost of the project.
Initially estimated to cost more than $200 million, the road would have connected with Route 28 at a signalized intersection north of Bull Run Stream in Fairfax County. The plan to build the road, Alternative 2B, was the top recommendation from the 2017 Route 28 Corridor Feasibility Study. The project had received $89 million in funding from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) as part of a broader effort to improve the county’s transportation infrastructure.
County transportation director Rick Canizales confirmed that the estimated cost had grown beyond available funding, requiring an additional $80–$100 million to proceed. “After taking all this into consideration and doing all the design work that we’ve done at this point, we come to the board and let you know that as staff, we believe that alternative 2B is not viable because we don’t have enough money and we don’t have enough support in some of the challenges we’re facing,” Canizales said.
For the first time, Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis Younger sat down for an exclusive interview with Potomac Local News as she begins her second term. In a candid conversation, she addressed the city’s stance on immigration enforcement, the future of development in downtown Manassas, the impact of potential state and federal funding cuts, and her vision for the next four years.
What’s next for Manassas? Will taxes go up? How will the city navigate potential financial challenges? And what’s her take on the now-canceled Route 28 Bypass project?
Get the full story in tomorrow’s edition—only on Potomac Local News. Stay tuned!
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
