Snow fell Monday in Albert Lea enough to make the streets a bit slippery. It reminded drivers who were out in it that they need to drive differently, more cautiously, when the white stuff comes.

Of course, for some drivers, it takes a curb check or a car crash for them to remember that. That adjustment period for snow driving is one of the scariest parts of winter weather. It seems drivers are worse at driving when snow falls after a long spell of dry conditions than at driving when a snowstorm strikes after a long spell of snowy conditions. It is as though drivers forget.

Let’s do our level best this winter to stay safe. We hope all drivers want to avoid getting printed in the newspaper for winter crashes. No one — including the troopers, first responders and tow truck drivers — enjoys standing beside the freeway in the freezing Minnesota air.

But it does happen. Have the proper equipment in your car or truck. That means a blanket, flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cables, water (even if it freezes), a small shovel and maybe even chains for pulling and some grit for traction.

Be smart and play it safe this winter, for your sake and for the sake of your fellow motorists.