Sometimes we get so used to passable roads during snow and even ice storms — and clear streets soon afterward — that we are in danger of taking them for granted.


But then we see the ditches along Interstate 80 littered with cars and trucks and exit at Iowa City or Coralville to find throngs of fishtailers and tire-spinners.

West Branch’s street department, with its plows, sand, salt and Public Works Director Brian Brennan’s special saltwater brine, does a better job on our city’s smallest roads than our neighboring cities do on their biggest thoroughfares.

And, when the snow stops, power shovels and trucks move in to haul away the big piles that take away parking spaces throughout the downtown.

Yep, we’ve had a few accidents, but only minor ones. Perhaps even those could be avoided if we realized that some of those responsibilities we have that prompt us to drive in unforgiving weather are, while urgent, possibly not so important.

So, again, we thank our streets department for the exceptional work in keeping our roads as safe as possible during these winter months.