Gov. Patrick Lifts Driving Ban Enacted During Storm
February 9th, 2013
Boston, Mass. (WGGB) – Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has lifted the statewide driving ban, put into effect before the snow storm… though he is still urging people to stay home unless they need to be out.
He says it’s going to take some time to clear the vast amount of snow.
“The state police and national guard have been out in force and working in tandem,” said Patrick Saturday afternoon. “They have been helping with some 50 people stuck on ramps last night and they even delivered a baby in Worcester.”
That baby and mom are said to be doing well.
The driving ban was the first state-wide ban enacted since the 1978 blizzard.
@Melissa Good Point….
Robert, it bothers me that you clearly don’t know anything about the executive powers of a governor and choose to create a grand conspiracy to infringe on your alleged right to ‘endanger the lives of others because you’re too stupid to stay off of dangerous roads.’ You’d be first in line, to attempt, to sue the state if you got into an accident because they didn’t tell you the roads were dangerous. Also, why haven’t you posted similar concerns under the same story out of Connecticut? Just can’t stand Patrick?
Well you sure set me straight. Do you think that you should be able to yell ‘fire’ in a crowded theater, too?
Should just leave it on so they can finish clearing all the roads safely without idiots out on the roads unnecessarily!
Does anyone think Deval Patrick is overstepping his power? Why are no members of the Media questioning him on this. Could the media be in bed with the Government?
I’m still not driving anywhere! Let the clean up continue without adding unnecessary problems out there.
That’s not fair. WhAt about us east of 91?
East of 91 has to wait til 4
I believe the last few years storms like the tornado,october snow and sandy have given him reason for the caution, a good old fashioned snowstorm can only be fun when you are not out in it and feel safe,.thank you patrick
Deval knows that the government has been purposely defunding education for 30+ years, and the product of that is stupid kids. 60 years ago there were no road bans, because people had common sense. They don’t want that anymore, they want people just smart enough to run the machines but not smart enough to ask questions. Now that “No Child Left Behind” has succeeded, we are stuck with idiots all around us who forget how to drive in the snow after 8 months of sun, and that allows Deval to unlawfully “confiscate” the tax-payer owned roads, and no one will stand up to it.
Robert what are you talking about?
Next time, to appease the “banning strips our rights” crowd, let auto insurers strip coverage for operating in severe weather. If you wreck your car after deciding you had to be out in it, you’re 100% liable for damages as well as for fees to emergency responders should they be necessary.
Agree to those terms, and I have no problem suggesting that travel bans are unnecessary. Otherwise– for the safety of many– I’m fine with governors implementing bans in severe weather as we’ve just seen.
Jose, If you do not know, I cannot help you.
Does everything really need to be turned into a political argument. Where the heck do you really have to go during this? Come on, use common sense. Stay home and let them clear the roads!
@Robert Howard. Are you mad because he took away you freedom to drive in a blizzard.
Maybe you should have gone out.
I don’t live in my Mother’s basement. I have my own apartment. Why does it bother you when someone questions the Government and the media? Do you not want to know the truth? Are you happy not knowing what is going on in your Country?
28 inches in Russell
Glad there
It was a damn driving ban for your safety and others not some conspiracy by the government!!! smdh
Sorry glad there was a ban on driving keep everyone safe!!! Spending the day with the kiddo playing board games and baking!!!
I know you all like to fight but you do realize the ban wasnt enforced unless you got in an accident or stuck??
yup knew that
just cant believe the ignorant people out there!
It bothers me that you think it’s explicitly ok to infringe upon others for the safety of others. Patriot Act ring a bell? Your safety is your safety. You, nor the Government, have the right to tell me I can’t do something, just so it keeps YOU safer. It’s your job to keep yourself safe, not me, nor Deval Patrick.
Can we clarify what is west of 91 and maybe list a few towns that are or are not in the ban
I am a resident of Massachusetts, that is why I am questioning Deval patricks overstepping the boundries of power. I disagree with the other Governors, but as I do not live in those states, it is not important to me. In the end what really bothers me is how complicit the Media is in things like this. The Media is on board with the banning of guns, the banning of driving. Will the Media be on board when the Government bans books. The media is the Fourth Estate. The Media is NOT the propaganda arm of the Government! When will the Media start doing it’s job and question what is going on in a once great Country?
@Maureen: I would imagine localities such as Springfield, Chicopee, Holyoke, Westfield, Northampton are okay. Further east it gets tougher (Ludlow, Wilbraham, Ware). Anything from Worcester County east is still under the ban until 4PM.
Most officers are not ticketing, according to reports. Just use common sense. If you HAVE to be out, stay safe. If you can wait until tomorrow, so much the better; let snow removal crews do their thing with as little interference as possible.