Here in Mid-Missouri, there’s about to be snow. And, if the reports are to be believed, we’re getting a decent amount right during rush hour traffic. For those of you who are fortunate (or unfortunate, depending on your preference) enough to live someplace without this phenomenon, what this means is poor road conditions are facing anyone intrepid enough to be travelling tonight. Now, winter weather doesn’t have to put a complete stop to all travel (even road travel), but there are some precautions one should take in preparation. Be like the Boy Scouts: be prepared.

Have an Emergency Kit

So, this is perhaps the most important item on the list. If you’re going to drive anywhere in the winter, it is extremely important to prepare for the worst. Should the worst happen and you find yourself stranded, the last thing you want is to freeze while waiting for help. A simple winter emergency kit includes blankets, a jug of water, and something brightly colored you can use as a flag. Flares, extra warm clothing, and food can be useful additions. Just remember, if there’s something specific you’ll need (such as medication), have that available as well. Keeping your cell phone fully charged as you travel can be extremely helpful, but having one of your old phones fully charged in the glove box can also be useful in an emergency.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Okay, so this is definitely common sense. It would not be remotely fun to stall for something as simple as low oil or a bad connection to your battery, especially when these are simple fixes. There are certainly specific maintenance items you can talk with your mechanic about, but it’s also good to have a spare kit in your car for the purpose of keeping it functioning at full capacity (think like a quart of oil, a funnel, etc). I’m not going to pretend to be an expert on winterizing your car, but between Master Google and my favorite repair shop back home, I have figured out a system over the years.

Be Flexible with Travel

Sometimes we can’t choose our travel plans. For instance, I have classes I must attend here in Columbia but also, specific events I must attend in Muskogee for the impending Renaissance Festival season. In these instances, I can’t be flexible. However, driving to visit my partner can be put on hold (permanent OR temporary) should the weather turn for the worst. In addition, delaying a departure by just an hour can allow for road crews to work on plowing if the precipitation has waned, or leaving a bit early can sometimes allow you to miss a storm entirely (especially if you’re travelling East). Knowing you’ve got extra time to get someplace can also lead to smarter travel, including a willingness to pull off if conditions get too bad.

Be Alert

As conditions worsen, you need to be alert. Not just in general regards to your surroundings, but also to the potential hazards that may be developing. Semis have a very difficult time in this weather, for instance, and can create exceedingly scary situations. The person in front of you from Arizona? They might not have the most experience with snow (though the person from Iowa may be just as inexperienced). Cars may be pulled over on the side of the road with no lights on, and first responders and tow trucks may be on the shoulders or in ditches attempting to help less cautious or less lucky travellers. Just keep your eyes open, your lights on, and your speed under the maximum (and over the minimum if it is safe to do so).

Enjoy the Snow

It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but maybe that’s just what you’re missing to enjoy it- something warm.

Snow can be slick and dangerous, but it can also be a beautiful and pure reminder of the mystical properties of nature. Get yourself a cup of hot chocolate when you stop for gas, blast your car heater, and just try to not let it stress you out too much.

If nothing else, however, please remember that travel- no matter how important it seems- is not as important as remaining safe. People are generally understanding if you’re late due to safety concerns and it’s always better to arrive late than at the hospital (or the morgue).