The Michigan State Police is asking motorists to take their time when driving due to potentially hazardous road conditions created by snowfall and cold temperatures.
“Although plow trucks are continuously removing snow, road conditions can quickly change for the worse in this type of weather,” said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD). “If you must travel, give yourself plenty of time and take it slow on the ice and snow.”
MSP offers the following safe winter driving tips:
• Check the weather before leaving for a destination. If the weather forecast looks dangerous, reschedule or postpone the driving trip, if possible.
• Do not crowd snowplows. Give snowplow drivers plenty of room to clear snow from the roads.
• Keep tires at the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure and routinely check tire pressure during cold weather.
• Make sure the windshield solvent reservoir is full and check the condition of all wiper blades and replace when necessary.
• Wash your vehicle for better visibility to other drivers. Remove ice and snow from all lights, windows and license plate before driving.
• Periodically check all lights and replace when necessary.
• Keep an emergency preparedness kit in the vehicle stocked with batteries, battery powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, windshield scraper, jumper cables, shovel, blankets, first aid kit, non-perishable food and bottled water.
Michigan weather is unpredictable any time of year, but especially during the winter months. The press release advises motorists to stay with their vehicles and wait for help if they become stranded.
A press release reminds motorists to take extra precautions when stopping and turning and to do all braking before the turn is made and take the proper line of travel through the turn to reduce the potential for skidding. If a vehicle begins to skid, let off the throttle and brakes and turn the front tires in the direction the driver wants it to go.
To check travel conditions and weather reports before driving, visit www.michigan.gov/roadconditions. Major road closures can be found at www.michigan.gov/drive.