17. Don’t drive with your jacket in the back seat.

It’s tempting to shed your jacket in a warm car to be comfortable but should you have an accident or another incident that cuts the heat and prevents you from getting to your jacket easily, you’ll be glad you kept it on.

18. Fill up often.

Don’t let your gas gauge drop much below half a tank on a solo winter road trip. I know, this means more stops for gas but should you break down, you’ll be glad of the fuel to keep your car and its heater going.

19. Know the weather forecast.

Know what you’re getting into by checking the weather forecast. Snow can be handled but it’s important that you avoid whiteout or black ice conditions. If there is a call for snow, check with a local about your route choice. There is a road north of Toronto that often goes to whiteout conditions quickly due to wind blowing snow over clear fields. Routes nearby are not affected in the same way and are safer to drive.

20. Always clear the ice off your windows completely.

There’s less room for error when you drive in winter conditions, and it’s all up to you on a road trip alone. Don’t compromise your visibility by not completely clearing the ice off your windows. It may be cold. The ice may be thick. But it’s worth taking the time to do a good job.

21. Take a break.

Driving in challenging conditions, especially on a solo winter road trip, is more tiring than the usual road trip. Know how far it is to the next place you can pull over for a warm drink. Plan to take frequent breaks along the way.

22. Slow down.

It’s not a brilliant tip but necessary to mention. When the roads have snow, ice, slush–or worse, black ice–on them, your car will take longer to slow and stop than on clear roads. You will need to drive more slowly in winter conditions than at other times of the year.

What to Do If You’re Stranded Driving in Winter

It’s important to prepare for the possibility of being stranded in your car.

1. Call 911 and conserve your phone.

2. Use the winter survival kit you brought with you.

You can purchase these at many hardware stores. It should include water and a few food items in addition to flares and the like.

3. Layer your winter clothes.

It can be tempting to take off your bulky winter clothes when on a trip, but don’t put them in the trunk or out of easy reach. Should you be stranded, you’ll want them close by. Should you be in an accident, you’ll want to be wearing them.