On my drive back to Saskatoon over the winter holidays, I once again tragically fell victim to the unpredictable and over-dramatic prairie weather. I found myself stuck between destinations, snowbanks, and listening to lectures from loved ones, but came out of it with a few new life lessons. 

Since moving to Saskatoon from Regina, the trunk of my car has become an arsenal of supplies and tools to help me in winter emergencies. As a student, the last thing I want to deal with are additional expenses and life-threatening situations, so these are a few tips and tools I keep with me to keep me safe while driving in the winter. 

First — and most important advice I have — is to remember that none of us are nearly as smart as we think we are. So if you are stuck on the side of the highway, do yourself a favour and do not put yourself in more danger by exiting the vehicle. 

In the Saskatchewan winter, retaining your own body heat should be a top priority. To stay warm, I keep spare blankets, gloves and other winter clothing in my car. Having a lighter and candle handy can also supply a surprising amount of warmth for both you and your vehicle. In the case that you need to ration fuel or you are trapped in your vehicle, having these items on hand can be the first step in keeping yourself safe. 

Keeping non-perishable and calorically dense snacks in the car such as granola bars, protein bars or mixed nuts can go a long way in getting quick and easy energy. Having bottled water stored in your car is also an easy and life-saving item to have — regardless of the weather conditions. 

Another item not exclusive to winter conditions is a first aid kit. Being stocked with rubbing alcohol, bandages and ibuprofen is always useful, just in case you need to tend to minor injuries.  

Now that you are safe, warm and fed, you can think about getting yourself out of your debacle.  

In that effort, phone chargers are a must. It took me nearly three instances of relying on my phone’s GPS on cold winter nights to have my phone die on me when I was in search of a gas station before I kept a charger in my car. 

Now, I also try to always keep at least half a tank of gas in my car in the winter, both to avoid running low and a blocked fuel line.

Also, keeping an ice scraper and snow shovel will help with cleaning the surfaces of your vehicle and the area around it in case you are stuck. Additionally, keeping kitty litter in your trunk can help gain traction if your tires are spinning with no hope of getting you anywhere. 

Lastly, keeping booster cables in your car in case it needs a jump start can ease any grief, inconvenience or breakdown. 

At this point in my life, it seems that every interaction, experience and mistake I make is a new lesson. I’ve made the mistake of thinking I was invincible and my little Honda hatchback could get me through any weather, but that is just not the case. 

My neglect and stubbornness have resulted in delays, minor car repairs and other expenses. As students, none of us want to go beyond our means and face situations that can be easily avoided.

These are just a handful of useful items to keep in your vehicle and tips to remember when driving in the winter. After all, there is nothing to lose when preparing for the worst. 

Saskatchewan winters can be brutal and miserable. On top of it all, they are also unpredictable. Being prepared for any conditions thrown our way is important, especially when these conditions can result in tragic accidents, injuries and even death. 

Protect yourselves, your loved ones and other drivers and hope for the best of the beautiful winter season, but prepare for the dangers that come with it. 

Safe driving everyone!

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This op-ed was written by a University of Saskatchewan undergraduate student and reflects the views and opinions of the writer. If you would like to write a reply, please email opinions@thesheaf.com. Rayyann Haque is a fourth-year undergraduate student studying Archaeology and Anthropology, and is a Staff Writer at The Sheaf Publishing Society.

Photo: Aleshba Naseer | Photo Editor