Kentucky Police Troll Subaru Drivers During Winter Storm, Remind Public That AWD ‘Is Not a Superpower’
UNITED STATES — As a powerful winter storm continues to affect large portions of the eastern United States, law enforcement agencies are using unconventional tactics to push a serious safety message. In Kentucky, police are relying on humor to warn drivers who believe all-wheel drive vehicles make them immune to snow and ice.
With freezing temperatures lingering across multiple states and at least 20 storm-related deaths reported nationwide, officials continue urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Schools remain closed in several areas, road conditions are still hazardous, and power outages have affected hundreds of thousands of households as the system slowly exits the region.
Humor as a Safety Warning
In the middle of ongoing winter travel concerns, the Louisville Metro Police Department posted a message on social media that quickly went viral: “AWD is not a personality.” The jab was aimed squarely at drivers who assume all-wheel drive vehicles automatically make winter driving safe.
The post struck a nerve online, gaining thousands of likes and comments within hours. Many users recognized the stereotype being referenced — drivers who believe AWD means they can drive at normal speeds on icy roads with no consequences.
Why Subaru Drivers Were Singled Out
The joke landed especially hard with fans of Subaru, a brand long associated with all-wheel drive performance. Models like the WRX, Forester, and Legacy are marketed around traction and winter capability, giving some drivers an inflated sense of confidence during storms.
ATTENTION SUBARU OWNERS: This is your friendly reminder that AWD is not a personality and it’s definitely not a forcefield. You too, can hit a guardrail.
— LMPD (@LMPD) January 25, 2026
Commenters leaned into the humor. Some joked about rally racing heritage, while others offered blunt reality checks. One response summed up the science perfectly: “All cars have four-wheel braking.” Another reminded drivers that AWD helps vehicles move — not stop.
Officials Warn the Danger Is Not Over
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has said the most intense part of the storm has moved out of the state, but cautioned residents against letting their guard down. Dangerous cold temperatures and refreezing conditions continue to create black ice risks, especially overnight and during early morning hours.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service have echoed those warnings, noting that frigid air and lingering ice hazards remain a threat across the eastern two-thirds of the country.
AWD Doesn’t Beat Physics
Despite the humor, the underlying message from Kentucky police is serious. All-wheel drive can improve traction when accelerating, but it does nothing to shorten stopping distance on ice. Braking performance depends on tires, road conditions, and speed — not drivetrain.
Law enforcement agencies across the region continue urging drivers to slow down, increase following distances, and stay off the roads when possible. Officials stress that winter crashes often happen because drivers overestimate their vehicle’s capabilities.
A Message That Resonated Nationwide
Louisville police have built a reputation for mixing public safety messaging with humor, and residents say the tone helps the advice stick. As winter weather continues to impact travel across multiple states, that balance of wit and warning may be exactly what keeps some drivers from learning the lesson the hard way.
As the storm’s aftermath lingers, officials emphasize one final reminder: all-wheel drive is helpful — but it’s not a forcefield.
Readers are encouraged to share their winter driving experiences and stay updated with ongoing weather coverage at CabarrusWeekly.
