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
Stafford County Public Schools advise families and staff to practice good hygiene habits to reduce the spread of flu, colds, and other viruses as cases rise in the community.
Parents are encouraged to ensure children wash their hands frequently, avoid touching their faces, and cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing. The CDC and Virginia Department of Health recommend flu vaccinations for anyone six months and older.
A fatal two-vehicle crash occurred on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 2:39 p.m. in the express lanes of Interstate 95 southbound near mile marker 151 in Prince William County.
A 2020 Lexus RX, stopped on the right shoulder, was struck by a 2022 Ford F-250 that veered off the road. The impact sent the Lexus into a guardrail before it re-entered traffic lanes and stopped facing oncoming vehicles.
The Lexus driver, Vernon S. Lee, II, 57, of Chester, Va., died at the scene. His passenger, Shannon S. Lee, 25, suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital. Both were wearing seatbelts.
(The Center Square) — Tuesday was crossover in Virginia’s legislature, the last day the chambers can consider their own legislation.
From Wednesday on, the House of Delegates can only consider Senate bills and vice versa.
(The Center Square) – The National Transportation Safety Administration says the Army Black Hawk helicopter that collided with an American Airlines jet over the Potomac River last Wednesday was flying at about 300 feet at the time of the collision, above the permitted flight ceiling.
The permitted flight ceiling for helicopters flying over the Potomac River in the vicinity of Reagan National Airport (DCA) is 200 feet, which is meant to keep military and law enforcement helicopters clear of commercial aircraft landing and taking off in the already tightly restricted airspace around the nation’s capital.
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.
