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 dr...