Driving in the snow and ice in Michigan has become old hat for almost all Michigan citizen's and especially the Deputy patrolling your neighborhood. Unfortunately, that complacency that we develop about the dangers of driving on icy or snowy roads is a large part of the problems that leads to dangerous traffic crashes and sometimes deaths.

Of course, everytime you see a Michigan Deputy on the news during a snow storm he is always recommending that motorists drive slowly and stay home if possible, but that is because that Deputy continually sees the devastation caused by traffic deaths. 

Everytime you get on the road there is a risk you could lose your life in a crash, but remember that risk is increased significantly as the roads conditions deteriorate. We just recommend you think about what it is you are going out to do before you do it, and decide whether it is important enough to risk.

If you do have to go out, here are some tips on how to stay safe and legal on Michigan roads:

Before you Drive in Winter Weather

• Check The Forecast - When you see an extreme forecast, plan ahead. Talk to your employer, local school or daycare center. How will they provide you information?
• Limit Travel During the Storm - Check road reports, forecasts and roadway temperatures at http://www.ohsp.state.mi.us/rw/home.htm and stock up on household items.
• Have a kit of winter equipment -  Leave the kit in your call all winter to make sure you have it when you need it. Your kit should including the following items:
  • Jumper cables to restart engine
  • Cat litter or sand for tire traction on snow and ice
  • Shovel to scrape snow away from tires
  • Ice scraper to clear windshield
  • Warm clothes gloves, a hat, sturdy boots, warm jacket and even a change of clothes
  • Blankets to keep warm inside the vehicle
  • Flashlights and extra batteries for increased visibility
  • First aid kit also pack necessary medications incase you are stuck on the road
  • Food pack items containing protein such as nuts and energy bars, also canned fruit and a portable can opener are good additions
  • Water bring enough for each person in your car and any pets
  • AM/FM radio to listen to traffic reports and emergency messages
  • Cell phone if you have one with a list of emergency numbers.
  • Fill your gas tank
  • Baby formula and diapers if you have a small child.
  • If you find yourself stranded, be safe and stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives.

Safe Winter Driving Tips

Before Leaving Home: Prepare Yourself and Your Vehicle
Before leaving home, find out about the driving conditions and prepare your vehicle. Safe drivers know the weather, and they know their limits. If the weather is bad, remember, Ice and Snow, take it Slow, or just don't go.

• You should keep your vehicle in top operating condition all year round for safety and fuel economy. Read your owner's manual and you are encouraged to print Winter Driving Tips.

Safe Travel on the Road

Winter Conditions call for different driving tactics, Ice and Snow, take it Slow - slower speed, slower acceleration, slower steering, and slower braking. Give yourself extra time to reach your destination safely. It's not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.

• Drive with your headlights on
• Ice and Snow, take it Slow, Drive for conditions. Don't get overconfident with four-wheel drive. It won't help you stop any faster.
• Drivers should allow additional room between their vehicles and others. Winter road conditions often result in longer stopping distances.
• Avoid abrupt actions while steering, braking or accelerating to lessen the chances of losing control of the vehicle.
• Look farther ahead in traffic. Action by other drivers will alert you to problems and give you extra time to react.
• Avoid using cruise control or overdrive. Don't let your car make a bad decision for you.
• Stopping on snow and ice without skidding requires extra time and distance. If you have anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you don't have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal. Either way, give yourself plenty of room to stop.

Safe Travel Around Snowplows

Snowplows are usually spreading anti-icing materials from the back of the truck and may need to stop or take evasive action to avoid stranded vehicles. If you find yourself behind a snowplow, stay behind it or use caution when passing. The road behind a snowplow will be safer to drive on.

• Don't crowd the plow. Snowplows plow far and wide-sometimes very wide. The front plow extends several feet in front of the truck and may cross the centerline and shoulders during plowing operations.
• Plows turn and exit the road frequently. Give them plenty of room. Stay back at least 15 car lengths (200 feet).
• On multiple lane roads, watch for snowplows operating in either lane.
• Snowplows can throw up a cloud of snow that can reduce your visibility to zero in less time than you can react. Drive smart. Never drive into a snow cloud - it could conceal a snowplow.
• A snowplow operator's field of vision is restricted. You may see them but they may not see you.