Don't panic and remember to be safe on those icy roads

One of my favorite phrases is “Don’t Panic,” which is found in Douglas Adams’ “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” In an interview with Sci Fi Weekly, author Arthur C. Clarke said Adams’ use of the phrase as the “best advice to humanity.”

I’ve muttered this phrase to myself several times in the last year, not because I was traversing through the stars with a motley crew of characters, but while I was learning to drive. I used the phrase less as my driving skills improved. In some situations, I would say, “Don’t panic” then add groups of four letter words after I watched someone cut me off or drive up the wrong way on a one-way street.

I recently started using this phrase more after the first few times I drove in the snow such as last Saturday when I was returning home from Spokane and snowflakes were dropping by the thousands from the night sky. I also muttered, “Don’t panic” several times this past Monday as I was driving along Murphy Road — on what seemed like an ice rink — to get to Airway Heights. It probably wasn’t the smartest decision, especially since I took the same road to get home.

Although most of the snow from the last week has melted — knock on wood — there are still two months of winter ahead of us, unless the groundhog doesn’t see his shadow in February. Still, there are several things to consider while we’re driving this winter.

• Whether you’re going on a short drive or a long one, make sure your gas tank is at least halfway full, your cellphone’s battery is charged and you’ve mapped out your destination. Before leaving the driveway, make sure your vehicle is warmed and all of the snow and ice is removed from your windows.

• If you’ve scheduled an appointment or a meeting, try to leave early. You never know what traffic conditions will be like, especially in horrible weather. If traffic is slow and you think you’re going to be late to your appointment — even by a few minutes — contact someone and let them know your situation.

• Drive a little slower if the snow is coming down hard or the roads are slick. You don’t have to drive as slow as a snail moves, just make sure that you have enough space between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. If there’s a car behind you, pray that they are taking the same approach as you are.

• If you get stuck somewhere because of ice or snow, call for assistance. While you wait, remove any snow or ice in your tailpipe to avoid the buildup of carbon monoxide then get back in your car. Run the engine for 10-15 minutes every hour and if you have enough wiggle room, move your fingers and toes and change your seated position to keep your circulation going.

• Be observant of pedestrians — especially children who are just getting out of school. Most folks are good about using crosswalks but every once in a while there’s a person that darts across the street if they think no cars are coming. Also watch out for deer and other animals.

• If you know someone who needs help or you see someone stuck on the side of the road and you have the time and the resources available, ask if they need any assistance. If they don’t need your help, wish them luck and drive on.

• One last tip, remember to bring a towel. You can use it to wipe off snow that gets on your windows or seat. You can even use it as a makeshift scarf if your heater isn’t working properly.

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].