Well said Chad, we just can't say it enough. It's been a terrible year for ice and a spud is the ONLY way to know if the ice you are on MAY hold you up. Even the one lake I've fished this year that usually has early ice has been dicey.
Stopped one day when there were a bunch of guys out. Walked out on it, about 3" of somewhat clear, melting ice. 2 wacks and that was it, cracking every step and boards got you on. Another trip after the snow, same lake had spots where the snow had pushed the ice down. Shore ice had tightened up nicely. When I tried to get out where I had fished previously it was a no go, one wack and threw it went and there was much cracking. Next day (yesterday) couldn't even get out that far. About 15 guys or so fishing in the hot sun and two guys walk on pulling a sled with a toddler in it. I was one of the furthest guys out so I didn't realize what was happening until a guy behind me started yelling and telling them to check the ice so they stopped.
I guess some people will just never use a spud, not sure why. You can get one cheap, so that's not the problem.
Don't assume the ice is "safe" just because there is a guy on it. Ice is never safe! Thickness can change Very quickly. Sometimes you can tell something by looking at it but sometimes you cannot. Especially if there's snow cover.
Be careful out there guys and girls, the end is near and we know what that means, more danger!