Download the USFS motor vehicle use maps (MVUM). They will show everywhere you’re legally allowed to dispersed camp off the side of forest roads. There are a handful of established sites throughout the state (Bingo road, Somerset Airfield, etc), but I’ve always stayed away from them during peak season because they’re always slammed on nice weekends.

Not a teacher, but a SO of someone who recently left teaching. It’s brutal out there for teachers right now.

High expectations, high stress, low support, low respect. I’m not optimistic about the future of our country’s education.

Facebook marketplace. I used to use Craigslist frequently but FB marketplace killed it.

Dedicated snow tires and you'll be fine in 99% of places with front wheel drive. The last 1% you probably want to avoid with all wheel drive anyway.

If you're referring to the safety of other's, then you're wrong. Google it. There isn't much of a scientific standard of why speed limits are what they are, and they are definitely not based on experimental data suggesting the chosen speed is the safest.

50 is most certainly not fast enough for me in many places that are 50 zones. I drive what feels right to me. I don't necessarily oblige by laws because there isn't much science behind why speed limits are set where they are. I'd be more inclined to follow speed limits if I was confident that they were placed in my best interest.

If you have a leveling kit, there's a very high chance the headlight aim is to blame. Many people install kits to level the rake on their truck and don't compensate the headlights.

My owner's manual had a section on headlight aiming. Perhaps yours does as well?

IIRC only one specific model had a recall. There was a flaw in the housing design.

I don't know what model truck you drive, but I recently picked up a 2019 F-150 and had to aim the lights down because I was getting flashed. Aiming the lights on this truck is very easy. Only requires a screw driver. Hardest part was finding a flat spot to park with a wall.

I'm not 100% sure what the conditional "not approved by the commissioner" statement means here, but I would think putting LED lights into halogen housings would fall under this point:

"Any additional auxiliary or after-market light(s) not designed to enhance safety and have not been approved by the Commissioner, are placed on or in the vehicle, whether flashing or burning"

I work as an engineer at an automotive lighting company. I will die on this hill stating LED lights in halogen reflector housings are blinding for other drivers and are less effective for lighting the road ahead of you. LED's typically produce more lumens (e.g. they're brighter at the source) but when not aimed correctly they produce less lux (light measured at a specific area) where its needed. The human brain is easy to fool, and LED's fool the brain into thinking the lighting is better because the entire field of view is brighter, but usable lighting is actually worse because the "hot spot" aimed down the road in front of the vehicle is not as bright.

People in this state drive like there is a foot of snow on the road when its clear as could be. I just pass people and move on with my life. Its easier for everyone.

Far too many people put LED bulbs into housings that were not designed for them, which scatters light in all directions rather than focusing it down towards the ground. Its both illegal and stupid, but there is no enforcement on either of those two things.

I high beam everyone right back. It is a bit of a fuck you, but at the same time its communicating "hey, your lights are blinding me. Please fix that." I recently bought a new (used) vehicle, and for the first few weeks I was getting high beamed frequently. I adjusted the lights (which were aimed quite high) and haven't been high beamed since.

Just an FYI there bud, halogens are the old style that have been in use for 60+ years.

Wachusett

Dedicated snow tires make a world of a difference. If you have normal "all-season" tires, I'd highly recommend getting a separate set of wheels with snow tires on them to change out during the winter months. You'll be shocked at the traction difference in snow. Weight in the bed also will help tremendously (like 500+ lb).

As an aside, make sure you're using 4 wheel drive correctly. 4H should never be used on pavement unless it is snow covered/slick. You will damage your vehicle using 4H on high traction surfaces. 4A can be used in any conditions, if your truck is equipped with it.

Ah, yes, wonderful. No calls completed from any carrier at my house and certain stretches of my commute.