You are just cruising along in your old Buick LeSabre on your way to Great-Grandma Edith’s house for Thanksgiving dinner.

The weather isn’t superb, but you insisted that traveling alone was the best option. You hear an odd grinding sound, but that’s nothing new. Hand-me down cars always sound like that. Right?

You smack the dash in hopes the sound will stop, and to your surprise it does. But, so does everything else.

The Michael Bublé Christmas album no longer is screeching from the speakers; the grinding sound has stopped and so has your engine. It’s a good thing you took that shortcut the guy at the gas station told you about – or wait, maybe that wasn’t such a great idea.

Fear not. Traveling in bad weather is like riding a bike … with no grip on the wheels … and brakes that only work sometimes. So maybe it’s not actually like riding a bike. However, here are a few tips and tricks to ensure the safest travel possible.

Check weather conditions

If you’re anything like me, you probably didn’t check the weather forecast or the road conditions before hitting the highway. However, if you live in Wyoming, this is highly recommended. WY Dot Road Conditions is a great website to add to your bookmarks. This will display web cameras that show the road conditions in real time. If you don’t live in Wyoming, I’m sure each state probably has something similar online.

1. Bring along extra food and water

You know all of those fast food bags you have crumpled up in the passenger seat? Don’t kid yourself, you know they’re sitting right there. Well, believe it or not, the excessive hot sauce packets looming in those bags might come in handy. The key word is might. They probably won’t, but I’m sure if need be, you can get creative. Now, besides the scraps, you should always at least keep some water and a few non- perishable food items in the vehicle at all times. My personal favorites are dried fruit, granola bars and crackers.

 

1. Have warm clothes, candles, blankets, etc.

Socks and sandals are quite the rage, and speaking from experience, are quite comfortable too – but they are simply not practical for bad weather. Before taking a road trip, especially around the winter season, you should create a safety kit to keep in the vehicle. AAA sells ready made safety kits on Amazon for severe weather. Along with this, extra blankets, hats and gloves should also be kept. An extra set of clothes and warm shoes are always a safe bet as well.

1. Know your route and create a game plan

Please, please, please, do not take the shortcut the guy at the gas station recommended. It is always suggested that you travel on marked roads, and that you create a game plan before you start your trip. This can prevent any unnecessary stops, and this will give you time frame for the trip. Before you leave, alert family or friends where you are going and the approximate time you should arrive. In the case of an emergency, your family and friends will know where you are and can decide what is the best plan of action.

1. Make smart decisions

With all jokes aside, please use your common sense and gut feeling. If the risks outweigh the benefits, then simply cancel your plans. Staying home is better than getting stranded or stuck without the proper supplies.

Traveling can be risky in any circumstances. These are just a few tips to help keep you safe while traveling in bad weather. Either use them, or don’t. Just please travel safely.