I agree with the 4 WD stuff. I have had one for years (although now I have a smaller AWD sedan), as it went a long way in reducing my fear at having to learn to drive in the snow at age 37. But, I always say 4WD does not mean 4 wheel stop! For a few years I had a 40 mile commute, one way to work. There were a couple of years with just horrible blizzards, where I would routinely see people flying by me in their 4WD cars, only to see them a bit later, rolled over, in the ditch.
Yes, I am not sure why people feel the need to be so connected constantly. I just don't have that many people to talk to, or that much to say. It's like they lose sight of everything that's going on around them, because they are on the phone.

Psyclepath, I have had similar thoughts about guys who drive around here with their snowplow attached to the front of their huge trucks, as soon as the calendar turns to November!