Bad Weather Blues
I work at TTN corporate headquarters located in Minneapolis. Here in Minnesota, each season we have a lovely winter tradition known as THE WINTER WEATHER TRAFFIC ADVISORY (insert scared shudder here).
When Mother Nature decides to throw her worst with inches of snow, freezing rain, and black ice onto the highways, the morning and evening commute can become a waiting game of stand still traffic, and trying not to spin out into a ditch.
When I first started working for TTN (a recent graduate from college) I laughed when people mentioned their bad weather blues. “How bad could a little snow be?” I thought. “They’re just tiny flakes! They can’t make that much of a difference.”
I quickly changed my tune after my first snowy commute, which consisted of me sitting in my car for 2 ½ hours (a drive that usually took me 30 minutes). Since then I have begun trying to find ways to avoid, and perhaps even enjoy these tenuous traffic tides. Heres a list of some of the ideas that I’ve found helpful.
Check the weather the night before: Knowing what’s coming before it hits is always a good idea. Depending on what the meteorologist says, you can adjust what time you leave… instead of madly scrambling out the door.
Know your back roads: On really snowy days I try to take the road less traveled. Taking back roads and alternate routes can sometimes help with your time, and your nerves.
Keep it cool… not cold: Sometimes no matter how much you plan, slow moving traffic happens. It’s always better to be take things slow then ending up on the side of the road, late to work and a car to repair.
If you have some good ideas or tips on traffic I would love to hear it! I’m sure I could use your ideas for the next winter storm.
