Tips for Safe Driving in Winter Weather

In 2023 (the most recent data available), there were nearly 16,000 snow-related crashes in Michigan, and experts say that most winter driving crashes aren’t caused by the weather itself—but by drivers’ failure to adjust to road conditions. Motorists frequently drive too fast for the road conditions; they can lose control, which leads to accidents and injuries.

Michigan laws require motorists to drive at a speed that’s “reasonable and proper” for the road conditions. As a result, even if you’re driving at or under the posted speed limit, you could still be ticketed for speeding if the road conditions make that speed unreasonable for safe driving.

By making changes in speed and handling of your motor vehicle in poor conditions, you can drive safely of Michigan roads this winter. Here are 10 tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t engage your cruise control on ice and snow. If your car skids, the cruise control will accelerate to maintain the set speed. That will make your wheels spin faster and increase the odds that you’ll lose control of your vehicle.
2. Keep your vehicle is good working condition. Stop in at the auto shop and ask a mechanic check the fluid levels in your car (this includes the oil, coolant or antifreeze, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and the windshield wiper fluid). Make sure to test your battery, lights, brakes, heat and defrost, and wipers. Check your tire pressure regularly in winter and consider changing to winter tires, which can help you stop up to 50% faster on snowy or icy roads.
3. Brush off snow and ice from your vehicle. Clean off your windows, the windshield, mirrors, headlights, and taillights. That’s because snow and ice can dim the beams of lights and reduce visibility.
4. Keep your gas tank at least half full. This will help you avoid a fuel line freeze.
5. Keep a weather eye. Check both current and forecasted weather conditions for your trip.
6. Stock your car with winter driving supplies. You should keep an auto emergency kit in your vehicle throughout the winter. This kit should include a flashlight with extra batteries, a shovel, a snow brush and scraper, jumper cables, a bag of sand or kitty litter for tire traction, a cell phone charger, along with bottled water and non-perishable food (like energy bars).
7. It takes longer to stop your car. Remember that stopping distances can be up to 10 times greater on ice and snow. So, you need to drive slowly and watch for pedestrians, especially at intersections and crosswalks. Slowing down and allowing more space between you and the vehicle ahead of you gives you more time to react. This will decrease the risk of an accident.
8. Seatbelts please. Make sure you and all your passengers wear their seat belts. Buckle kids into car seats or booster seats until they’re at least 4’-9’, and when they’re big enough to use a seat belt, they should ride in the rear seat until they’re 13.
9. Share the road with snowplows. Be aware that snowplows move slowly, make wide turns, and stop frequently. Also, it’s illegal in Michigan to pass a snowplow on the right. And if you do legally pass on the left, use extreme caution. Keep a good distance when following a snowplow, about 6-10 car lengths.
10. If you’re stopped or stalled on the road. Don’t panic and stay with your car. If you run your vehicle to keep warm, keep the exhaust pipe clear and run the vehicle for just 5-10 minutes an hour. Keep a window open slightly for ventilation.

Contact Us

Be safe this winter. And if you or a family member are involved in an auto accident in Michigan, you may be entitled to compensation for serious injuries. You need a reliable Michigan auto accident attorney that understands the Michigan no-fault insurance laws and can get you what you deserve.

For a free consultation with an experienced auto accident attorney in Michigan, contact Buchanan Firm. Our firm proudly serves people all across Michigan, including major cities like Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Detroit, Lansing, Holland, St. Joe, and Ann Arbor, and rural towns such as Lowell, Ada, Fremont, Newaygo, Grand Haven, Rockford, and Cedar Springs. We will meet you after hours, at home, or in the hospital to accommodate you.