When I woke up on Monday, my yard was blanketed in snow. I remember when my first thought on mornings like this was SNOW DAY, the treasured day off school that every Minnesotan child wishes for but seldom receives. These days, my first thought is, “I wonder how the roads are.” I had an appointment in Duluth, and I was immediately anxious about the drive. I know I’m not alone in this fear of snow-covered roads and dreaded black ice.
Over the years, I’ve learned that preparation is key when it comes to anxiety. Often, the fear of the unknown triggers it, and being prepared can help reduce that uncertainty. By thinking ahead about potential obstacles, we can develop strategies to address them proactively. Sometimes, simply mentally rehearsing what might lie ahead can be helpful.
Taking steps to prepare boosts self-confidence and provides a greater sense of control. When facing winter driving, there are several things we can do to prepare.
One of the most important recommendations from experts is to give yourself plenty of time. Snowy roads may require slower speeds, and hazards can pop up unexpectedly. Feeling rushed can add an extra layer of anxiety—snow or no snow!
It’s also crucial to give yourself time to warm up your vehicle. When planning your departure, factor in enough time to scrape ice off your windows and allow them to defrost. Driving with a small cleared spot or snow-covered side windows reduces visibility and makes the road more dangerous for you and others.
Another important preparation is planning your route. Living in a rural area, I’m all too familiar with being lower on the snowplow’s schedule than I’d like. Whenever possible, consider routes that are more likely to be cleared or salted, and adjust as needed.
Mindful fuel management is another way to feel prepared. Winter conditions can reduce fuel economy, so keeping your tank full is always a good idea. Also, make sure your phone is charged and that you have a charger with you in the vehicle. Save roadside assistance numbers in your phone—sometimes, a lack of signal can make it difficult to Google the number!
Good tires are crucial in any condition, but before snow falls, I like to ensure my tires are properly rotated and in good shape. Winter tires can provide better grip and are worth considering. It’s also a good idea to check your headlights, battery, thermostat, antifreeze levels, and brakes.
In case of an emergency, it’s essential to have an emergency kit in the car. FEMA recommends including jumper cables, flares or reflective triangles, ice scrapers, snow shovels, blankets, sand or cat litter, a flashlight, and water. A first aid kit, snacks, warm clothes, boots, mittens, tow ropes, and tire chains are also good additions. Hand warmers are a small but handy item to pack as well!
On the road, I always remind myself to increase my following distance to six seconds and steer gently. Accelerate and decelerate slowly, and if I start to skid, I know it’s important to steer into the skid—never slam on the brakes.
Being prepared and mentally rehearsing these scenarios helps reduce my anxiety about the road ahead. However, if 511mn. org shows that roads are closed and travel is ill-advised, I’m totally okay with taking a SNOW DAY!
Be careful out there!
