Monday, December 27, 2010

RCOC Winter Storm Response

   The Road Commission for Oakland County made a nice little video in an attempt to explain their feeble attempt at clearing the roads during the snow storm  we experienced beginning the weekend of December 12.
   I find it interesting that they say they as a matter of practice, have a lower level of service on weekends.
  I would have to agree as I didn't see a single truck on I-75 or any other major road for that matter on Sunday the 12th.
   Supposedly they have a Snow Duty Officer who is to watch the weather reports and make decisions. I think this is where the problem begins. A person who is in this position should have the ability to review these reports and then the authority to take action based on the information.
   For example - if it is snowing like crazy on Sunday and then the temperatures are predicted to drop to extreme levels during the evening hours - maybe that person should make an adjustment and consider calling in more trucks on a Sunday when they will be more effective rather than waiting until early Monday after 6 inches have frozen over and turned to ice and the salt will no longer work.    It is simple common sense - something a "manager" or "Snow Duty Officer" should exhibit.
   I really don't want to hear whining about how they have declining revenue when they aren't using the resources they have in an optimum manner.
   By not taking a more aggressive approach on Sunday, I feel they were placing peoples lives in danger - including mine as I attempted to return from Indiana that day.
   I also find the distinctive difference in the plowed and cleared roads maintained by Rochester Hills quite interesting. 
   The video of the RCOC storm response is below.

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