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Messy roads mean dangerous driving conditions
Posted: 12.21.2008 at 4:28 PM
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Time for a refresher course on winter driving tips
AAA Michigan is getting about twice the normal call volume for road service this weekend - and it doesn't look like the roads will get much better later Sunday night.
The storm that hit Friday brought up to 13 inches of snow in some locations, and some parts of the state could be in for another foot of snow by Monday morning. That means drivers will face gusting winds and hazardous roads, on top of the new snow and single digit temperatures.
AAA says many of the calls for help are for dead batteries, and they're urging drivers to park in garages or at least out of the wind whenever possible. The Michigan Sheriff's Association says many accidents can be avoided. Here's a list of tips provided by Kalkaska County Sheriff Bill Artress:
In what is already been a harsh winter throughout much of the U.S., the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association suggests the following safety tips for road travel in winter weather:
Winter driving tips:
- Check your tires, engine oil, antifreeze, and brakes before embarking on a trip
- Buckle up, and make sure your passengers do too
- Reduce speed in snow, sleet, and rain
- Allow yourself plenty of braking space in wet weather
- Lightly pump your brakes on wet roads when slowing the vehicle
- Never venture down unplowed roads
- Avoid distractions (talking on cell phone, eating, etc.)
- Keep headlights on & use low beams in fog
- Listen to the radio for information on local road and weather conditions
- Pull off the road if you’re tired or if outside conditions worsen
- If you break down, don’t venture more than 100 yards from your vehicle to seek help
Things to include in your vehicle during Winter driving
- Map of the area where you’re traveling
- Water
- Flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Candle (for heat and light)
- Snowbrush and ice-scraper
- Package of cat litter (for tire traction)
- Spare tire, as well as tire-chains or tire-cables (even for 4x4's)
- Small shovel
- Hats, weather proof gloves and boots, and a heavy blanket
- Matches and flares
- Cell phone (for emergency use only)