LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Now that the winter season is upon us, bringing snow and ice to Michigan roads, it’s good to know what to do to prepare yourself for driving in the winter, items you should have on hand in your car and what to do if your car breaks down or you need to get out of a slushy situation. Knowledge, preparation and being alert are all keys to driving safely during Michigan winters.

The Michigan State Police (MSP) and Michigan News Source want to make sure everyone is as safe as possible during the next few winter months and we are offering tips on how to navigate safely in Michigan’s winter wonderland. The MSP website linked above and this Michigan News Source article are good resources to have bookmarked on your smartphone.

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DRIVING ON ICE AND SNOW

During the 2021-2022 winter season, there were a total of 35,782 winter-weather crashes in Michigan, including 78 fatal crashes. Winter weather crash data in Michigan – which is recorded between October 1 and April 30 – involves road conditions that are icy, snowy, or slushy. The phrase “drive slow on ice and snow” is the theme for MSP’s winter driving safety program and should also be the go-to phrase for Michigan drivers.

A vehicle can take up to ten times longer to stop on snowy and/or icy roads so Michigan drivers need to be sure to drive slower and leave more space in between the vehicle in front of you. This gives you more time to react and brake. Use your turn signal sooner and avoid distractions. Also, keep an eye out for black ice and check weather and driving conditions in your community and your destination before heading out.

And don’t think you are immune from bad winter driving conditions just because you have a certain kind of drivetrain. The MSP says that although front-wheel-drive (FWD), all-wheel-drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) are less likely to slip during acceleration than a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicle, they are just as difficult to stop and turn on wintry roads as RWD vehicles so drivers need to slow down.

Winter driving techniques suggested by the MSP and Michigan News Source include not making any sudden moves of acceleration or braking; steering into a skid after taking your foot off of the accelerator; keeping your foot on the ABS brakes during the pulsing sensation; don’t use cruise control; and keeping your lights on in the wintertime, even during the day.

BE PREPARED

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Once again, checking weather and road conditions before you head out is always a good idea. You also need to keep supplies in your vehicle in case you get stuck, run out of gas or break down.

Supplies to include in your winter driving safety kit should include, but are not limited to: shovel, kitty litter (or rock salt or sand), water, blankets, flashlight, a candle and matches; tow rope, ice scraper, gloves, emergency flares, extra windshield washer fluid, jumper cables, snacks (like granola bars), and a first aid kit.

The MSP also says that a well-maintained vehicle is a safer one. They suggest having your mechanic check your fluid levels (oil, wiper fluid, antifreeze, etc.) and sure that the following items are in good working order: battery; ignition system; lights; brakes; heater/defroster and wipers. Also, make sure your tires have the proper amount of air in them and check the tread to make sure your tires are safe to drive. There’s an easy way to do this that your parents might have taught you over the years: Insert a penny, Lincoln’s head down, into the tread of your tire. If you can see Abe’s entire head, there’s not enough tread left to drive safely.

And don’t be one of “those” people who scrapes off only a small window of visibility on your vehicle and doesn’t touch the snow on the roof so that it flies into the car behind you. Clear your vehicle of ALL snow and ice so that you can see clearly – not just from the windows and the windshield but also from the mirrors, headlights, taillights and the roof of your car.

Other suggestions to prepare for winter driving include getting snow tires which can help immensely even in your own driveway and keeping your gas tank at least half full.

YOU’RE STUCK. NOW WHAT?

If you’ve been in an accident in the winter, get stuck in a snow drift or have some other kind of other winter weather emergency, the MSP says not to panic. Their tips include staying with your car. Unless you are within sight of a safe place to go, staying with your car is your safest bet. It’s not only a source of shelter and warmth, it makes it easier for rescuers to find you. And keep your seat belt on in case another car runs into you while you are stopped.

They also suggest that you don’t overexert yourself. Don’t wear yourself out trying to dig your car out of the snow. You’ll get wet and make it harder to keep yourself warm.

When you realize that you can’t travel any further in your vehicle, call 911 or a roadside service like AAA. Let them know you are stranded and ask them how long it will take to get to you. If phone service is not available, try texting 911. Plug your phone into a power bank or cell phone charger and turn off data to conserve the battery.

The MSP also recommends that you make yourself visible. Put bright markers on the antenna and/or windows and set out reflective emergency triangles if you have them. Turn on your hazard lights, and if it’s dark, turn your headlights off and your interior dome light on (it uses less electricity than your headlights). They also suggest not to run your vehicle for long periods. If you must run your car’s engine to keep warm, be certain the exhaust pipe is clear of snow, ice or dirt, and check it periodically. Run the vehicle for only 5-10 minutes each hour and be sure to open the windows slightly for ventilation. Keeping the car running continuously could lead to asphyxiation from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Staying healthy and warm includes tips like staying hydrated (snow can be melted to drink); keeping the windows rolled up; bundling up with blankets and other clothing in the vehicle or other things in the vehicle (floor mats, newspapers, seat covers); keeping your clothes dry; loosening your shoelaces (this will allow blood to circulate to your toes and help you avoid frostbite); lighting a candle for warmth; shaking your arms and legs to keep the blood flowing; staying awake and being alert to the signs of hypothermia which include confusion, shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness and apathy.

If you are stuck and want to look for a way out of the snow, the MSP says to first watch for traffic and make sure it’s safe to make the attempt. They recommend shoveling 2-3 feet clear in a straight line in front of the drive tires. (In a rear-wheel- drive vehicle, these are the two in the back) and to point the wheels straight; temporarily turn off traction control and use a soft foot on the accelerator to carefully rock the vehicle by shifting into drive, then reverse, then back to drive and so on (making sure the vehicle is not in motion during the shifting or you could damage your transmission). If there are “helpers” available, ask them to push the vehicle forward while you perform the rocking maneuver. If you’re still stuck, sprinkle kitty litter, rock salt or sand under the tires for traction. As a last resort before calling a tow truck, try letting a little air out of the tires – this can increase the contact area between the tires and the road/snow to give you more traction.