After several below-freezing days filled with ice, snow, and rain falling to the ground in freezing temperatures, Albany is covered in thick layers of ice. Everything from schools to businesses have been closed due to the high risk of vehicle accidents that these conditions cause.
Emergency personnel such as Albany Police Department have made several posts on their official Instagram to warn against going outside. “Please stay home if you can, bring in the dog (and definitely the cat), and check on your elderly neighbors,” they advised on January 15.
There are also concerned students and parents commenting on the Greater Albany Public Schools post notifying of the delay. “It’s unsafe for us high schoolers who just got our licenses to be driving on the ice. It’s very unlikely that it will melt enough, even with a two hour delay,” commented junior Zhaine Raymundo.
Although the temperatures are rising, it is predicted that there will be a steady downpour of rain throughout January 17, according to the Weather app. The combination of several, thick layers of ice, snow and flurries throughout a part of the night, and rain for almost the entire day, it will be extremely dangerous to even go outside.
Even if the ice begins to melt, there will still be icy patches on roads, sidewalks, and the ground in general, which can cause students and staffto get into accidents.
With the delay, many students will need to catch rides on the bus or drive themselves if their parents are working, which adds to the danger. A large number of high schoolers who drive themselves most likely have not encountered these conditions while driving due to Albany not receiving this kind of weather often, which increases the risk for accidents. With the influx of newer drivers on the road, there are heightened chances of collisions occurring.
And even if parents or buses are giving rides to students, that still doesn’t account for the risk that everyone in their cars would be taking. Driving in the rain can already be difficult for some, but with the added bonus of ice, slush, and snow, it can be a nightmare to traverse. Forcing adults and children alike to take this risk doesn’t make sense, especially when there are alternatives that are much safer and have been advised by emergency responders like the APD.
One of those very easy solutions for keeping students on track with school: Canvas. Canvas has been used by GAPS ever since the COVID-19 pandemic and already has the resources that teachers and students alike can use. Assigning assignments or notes for students to take through there is a much safer route than having everyone brave the icy roads.
The predetermined deadlines the school has can be adjusted, but the possibility of lives within our community being negatively impacted is something we cannot ignore.
