Many people have a dislike for winter driving. My dislike for it is amplified by my general dislike of driving at all in the first place. I have discussed my feelings of anxiety over driving before, but I also wanted to acknowledge that I have in fact been driving often this winter due to Covid-19. That said, there are a few things I do/have done that help me feel more at ease when facing icy conditions. If you’re as nervous about driving as me, maybe some of them will help:
- Know your regular route and a couple alternative routes to and from your destination well. Google Maps is my lifesaver. I will literally use the “street view” option and do the entire trip on there if I’ve never driven to the location before. Even if I know exactly where the destination is.
- If possible, leave at a time when you know there will be less traffic to deal with. I get to work insanely early, but I’m unbothered by this fact because 1. It’s super quiet and allows me to get things done without distraction, 2. I’ve become a morning person as a result and 3. I’m able to leave right after work.
- Choose music that is familiar and relaxing to you. Or listen to nothing at all if you prefer being alone with your thoughts. I’m a mix of both when I drive. If I’m on a busy street like McPhillips or Main I turn the music off entirely so I can listen for sirens. Otherwise, I crank up whatever type of music I’m in the mood for.
- Chewing gum was a major game changer for me at the beginning. Less so now, but if I anticipate some questionable weather conditions, I break out the Excel Polar Ice and chomp away.
- Breathe. Not long ago I had to drive home in the evening after working late and it was both snowing heavily and windy, which made for poor visibility. Several times throughout that particular drive I found that I was holding my breath. Deep breaths help. I swear.
- Not to seem like an absolute nutcase, but I sometimes “talk to” other drivers when I’m getting nervous. Like “Alright there, friend, that’s your turn? Peace out.” Or “Heeyyyyyyy, giant semitruck, stay in your lane….” (followed by some not very nice words).
- I am also notorious for yelling “AAAHHHHHH!” when passing a giant truck or bus on an icy road. I don’t know why this helps, but it does. For whatever reason, I feel like I will make it through the narrow gap if I yell. Kind of like Gandalf in that “You shall not pass” scene.
- Make sure you’ve got everything you need in your car for the snowy season. Like a mini shovel for when the sky dumps 5 inches of sparkly dust on your car while you’re anywhere but home. An ice scraper, because scraping ice off your windshield just becomes a part of your life every winter morning if you don’t own a garage. A block heater extension cord, because it’s cold in Winnipeg. Maybe even a battery booster, because it’s really cold in Winnipeg.
- Thick skin. I took things so personally when I first started driving. If I was honked at, I’d let it eat at me for weeks. If someone decided to pass me in an aggravated way, I’d also let it consume my mind for far too long. I have since learned to not care as much. So long as my minor error doesn’t harm anyone, what’s the big deal?
A lot of driving accidents in winter seem to occur because people aren’t adapting to the weather conditions. If I’m driving slower on the icy road it’s for a reason. I assume the same with anyone driving slower than myself. People forget patience when they drive, apparently. We (myself included at times) tend to forget that there are other human beings manoeuvring the hunks of metal with wheels on the road. Have some chill. If you’re in such a rush to get to work, maybe you should wake up ten minutes earlier, huh? It’s not all about you on the road, big shot.
Let’s all get to where we’re going safely, please and thanks.
Do you despise winter driving as much as me? Are you a nervous driver? What are some of your tips and tricks?