SOME ADVICE ON SAFE WINTER DRIVING

Winter storms in the form of blizzards, heavy snow, ice storms, or freezing rain can be especially hazardous to Michigan motorists. Every winter there are reports of dozens of cars piling into each other creating a chain-reaction accident, leaving drivers and passengers stranded along major freeways.

The first line of protection is to keep posted on weather conditions in the surrounding area through the local news media. A few hours of warning of a storm can be the key to avoiding being caught in it, or at least allow you to be better prepared to cope with it (allowing yourself extra driving time or perhaps taking an alternative route).

If a winter storm is present, we would like to offer drivers the following advice. If at all possible, travel only if absolutely necessary. Sometimes public transportation can be a safer way to travel. However, if you are forced to use your automobile for a trip of any distance, take these precautions:

Make sure your car is in good driving condition, pay special attention to the condition of the battery, tires and brakes.
Breaking down in winter is usually more serious than in summer, so if repairs are needed, get them done now.
Are windshield wipers streaking?  Time to replace them.  Top off your washer fluid too.
Make sure your cell phone is charged.

Maintain a full tank of gasoline.
If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle, extra weight in the trunk can increase traction. Start with 20 lbs and see how the vehicle handles. Too much weight back of the the rear axle may lessen front wheel pressure on the road. This can lead to a decrease in steering and front wheel braking.

Have another person travel with you if possible.
Avoid travelling if you are fatigued.
Use your seatbelt. 

Drive responsibly. Don’t try to save time by traveling faster than road and weather conditions permit.

Driving on Snow and Ice
Avoid rapid accelerations.  This means no sharp turns, fast starts or sudden stops. Do everything gradually.
Leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you.  In bad weather, you will need more than twice the same lead time you are used to in dry conditions.
Do not use cruise control if road surface is wet, snowy or iced.
Look and steer in the direction you want to go.
Beware of extra ice at intersections.  Stopped cars drop snow and ice and passing tires compress it into a smooth icy surface. It is not unusual to see cars starting at intersections to suddenly slide sideways.  When starting from a stop, do so gradually.
Driving uphill on ice or snow can be very difficult; you do not want to come to a stop part way up.  Too much power to the engine may cause you to break traction and start sliding.  If possible, build up some momentum before the hill and run the engine just enough to carry you up at a safe speed. It is all right for the car to slow down as you reach the top; you only need enough momentum to go over. Do not speed over the hill; conditions on the other side may require you to stop.
Driving slower allows you more time to brake. Even anti-lock brakes need some distance to work. When braking, do so gradually and apply a firm, steady pressure.

Sometimes no matter how careful we are, even the safest driver can have an accident. Here’s my advice on what to do should an accident occur:

Notify your insurance agent of the accident as soon as possible.

If stuck in the snow in a remote area:
Stay with your vehicle. It can shelter you and makes it easier for rescue crews to locate you.
If running your engine for warmth, make certain the tail pipe is clear of snow.  A blocked pipe can allow carbon monoxide to build up inside the car.
Do not run the engine and heater continuously. Run it just enough to fend off chills; you don't know how long you may be there, so make your gas last.


Hopefully, these safe driving tips will go a long way in allowing you to experience a safe and pleasurable winter driving season.