Winter road trips alone can come with a few hazards: snow, ice, and wind. And sometimes the perfect storm: all three at once.

If you’re planning to take a winter road trip solo, you need to be extra cautious. It can challenge even experienced drivers.

I learned to drive in the winter. Part of my driver education classes involved going to an empty parking lot and intentionally losing control and learning how to regain it. Learning to drive in winter gave me confidence.

However, over-confidence in your driving skills can work against your safety in winter. When I have driven in bad winter storms I’ve noticed that many of the vehicles that end up in the ditch are those with four-wheel drive. This brings me to the most important tip I have for you.

Top Tip for a Solo Winter Road Trip

My number one tip for a winter road trip alone is to respect Mother Nature. She’s in control of the conditions, you must be in control of your car.

Automotive technology has developed to make driving in all conditions more safe. But, technology can’t keep your car under control under all circumstances. Four-wheel drive is great for accelerating in snow but not for slowing down. ABS brakes (anti-lock braking system) are great for bringing your car to a smooth, non-skid stop but there still needs to be enough road between you and the next vehicle to stop you in time. You need to drive with control of your car at all times.

In bad weather conditions, drive with great care, slowly, as if a very expensive glass of champagne is sitting on the seat beside you that you dearly want to drink at your destination.