As the first major snowfall of the year hits, it reminds people that the holidays are nearing and that it’s time to bring out the heavy jackets and warm clothing.
At first, the snow came, then melted away in the morning, but this time it is here to stay for a while, as it glistens in the morning sun without any noticeable sign of melting away.
As the snow piles up, many may notice the increase in snowplows on the road, trying their best to clear the roads of the snow; however, some areas may not get attended to as quickly as major roads, such as neighborhoods.
As if the increasing amount of snow every morning wasn’t already a concern, many would say the greatest concern is the safety of driving on the roads, especially for teenagers, as it may be some of their first times driving in such conditions.
“I drive a two-wheel drive, so it scared me,” said Valeria Orenday, senior at MHS, over the concern of the icy roads. “When you stop at a light and start driving again, it takes a minute for your wheels to pick up, which sometimes makes your wheels get stuck in the snow.”
Serenity Bedolla, senior at MHS, believes the snow hasn’t been too horrible, however, mentioning, “the only time it’s been a problem is when it’s freshly snowed, and the plows haven’t come out yet.”
As the conditions of the roads are a concern to many, others worry about new drivers on the road during these weather conditions, such as parents. “I have not driven in the snow because I am not allowed to,” says Byanca Garcia, 2025 graduate of MHS. “My parents drop me off because they don’t trust me and don’t think I’m capable of driving in the snow. They also don’t trust other drivers.”
Orenday stated how her parents show a concern over time management with snow-covered roads, often checking her location to make sure she’s made it to places safely and on time. “They make sure that whenever I’m going somewhere, to leave early so I can heat up my car and make it on time while driving carefully. She also shared, “Snow DOES affect the speed limit. The speed limit after a snow storm went 15 under, I was going 15 on a 30.”
Bedolla agrees with the nervousness parents have with their children driving in the snow, saying, “It’s been so bad, my dad has even driven me to work a few days because of the snow.”
Although it’s not her first year driving in the snow, she takes notice of the increasingly worse conditions compared to last year. “I think this year is worse because of the unexpected snowstorms and lack of plowing.”
Orenday brings up the same observation, adding, “My first year driving in the snow wasn’t as bad as this year. When I was driving, they weren’t clearing the snow from the roads, so the snow piled.”
Common concerns over the roads include: black ice, slush, new snow, speed limit, sliding, and other drivers. Commenting on driving in the snow, Garcia advises, “I think you just need a good understanding of your car, how it moves, and what you’re doing. You have to learn how to be patient when driving in the snow.”
Driving in the snow is a major concern to many people in all demographics, but many people can agree that the snow brings more issues than just road safety, such as the economy.
Working at the big retail company, Target, Garcia notices fewer people going out and shopping, and from a worker’s perspective, “lots of call-outs.”
At Orenday’s job, she mentions, “Everyone shopped the day before so they didn’t have to leave their house as it snowed.” She followed up by agreeing with the increasing number of call-outs; however, frustrated because it left her doing much more work than she needed to do due to being short-staffed.
Before going Black Friday shopping with friends, Manny Sanchez, a senior at MHS, mentioned his unpleasant drive to the mall because “the windshield broke on Friday, so we had to keep the windshield wipers up to lessen the amount of snow coming in. It left the car super wet and cold.”
While there are many negative opinions on snow, there are also some things that people like about the fresh snowfall, such as the visual appeal.
Sanchez said, “I like it when it’s cold because it feels nice, especially after a workout.”
“I like how pretty it is—how it glistens in the light. I like watching the snow fall and looking at the snowflakes that fall on you,” stated Garcia.
Bedolla agrees with the sight, commenting, “I like how it makes Mundelein look so pretty, especially when it’s freshly falling.”