NORTHERN MICHIGAN — Winter is in full swing and roads across the state are covered in snow and ice, leading to the most dangerous driving conditions of the year.
To help people stay safe on the roads, the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department offered this list of safe driving tips for inclement weather conditions.
Slow down
Even if you know an area well and are confident in your driving, keeping a slow speed is a good idea as roads can be deceptively icy or slick. Black ice is one road condition that can make driving dangerous.
Delay your trip
If conditions get too bad for travel during a big storm, it might make sense to delay your trip until the roads can be cleared.
Portage Street in downtown Sault Ste. Marie is seen covered in snow.
Prepare
There are a number of things to do before a long drive that can help keep you safe, such as checking your tire pressure, making sure your headlights and brake lights are working, and clearing off the entire car of snow.
“One big thing to avoid is leaving snow accumulation on the vehicle, because as you’re driving, eventually it’s going to come off, and it could cause a hazard to other people,” said Fire Chief Ed Miller. “Don’t just clear your windshield off, clear off your car totally.”
In the event of an accident or getting stuck, it is also advisable to keep emergency supplies like blankets, food, a shovel and a first aid kit in the car.
Jeffrey Yang scrapes off his car following a winter storm in Petoskey on Jan. 13, 2024.
Use headlights
Even during the day, it is important to maximize visibility and keep your headlights on.
Don’t get distracted
Just like always, distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents. Stay focused on the road and your surroundings.
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A Michigan Department of Transportation plow truck applies salt to a snowy road.
Leave more space
It’s normal to leave a car length of space or more in between yourself and the car in front of you, but in icy conditions it’s better to leave even more space in case your tires slide on the ice.
Don’t pump the brakes on ice
We’ve all heard the jittering sound that comes from our cars when braking hard on ice. While it can be tempting to pump the brakes when you hear this, it’s actually better to keep pressing down if you have an anti-lock braking system.
“If you feel that jittery feeling, that’s actually your anti-lock braking system working. So if your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, it’s recommended to keep firm pressure on the brakes instead of trying to pump your brakes,” said Miller.
Don’t crowd plows or first responders
Snow plows and first responders are on the roads frequently in the snow, and they need their space. Be sure to give them enough room to do their jobs without worry.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Winter driving in Northern Michigan can be dangerous, follow these tips to stay safe