Tips for Michiganders to Stay Safe in Snowy Weather
Winter can bring some beautiful scenery in Michigan, with snowcapped homes and trees and scenes that look like they came out of a Hallmark card. While snow can be very lovely, it can also make for difficult driving. Now that the cold weather has arrived, it’s time to brush up on your expertise on navigating snowstorm and squalls on the road. Stay safe with these expert tips on how to drive in snow events.
Stay Safe in Snowy Weather
Stay Off the Road
If you can get off the road when snow squalls or any snow event is taking place, do it to stay safe. It can be very dangerous to drive in snow squalls. So, what is a snow squall? According to the National Weather Service, “Snow squalls, often associated with strong cold fronts, are a key wintertime weather hazard. They move in and out quickly, and typically last less than an hour.” They add that, “The sudden white-out conditions combined with falling temperatures produce icy roads in just a few minutes.” What’s wild is that these can happen even when there isn’t a big snowstorm.
Slow Down
If getting off the road isn’t an option, snow down. The National Weather Service says to show down because “even if the roads just look wet they could still be slick.” They add to, “Make sure your vehicle is completely clear of ice or snow before starting the trip” because “flying snow from cars causes accidents.”
Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on Your Cell Phone
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says that in the even of a snow squall, or any snowstorm, really, to enable wireless emergency alerts on your mobile phone. “These alerts will cause your phone to vibrate and sound an alarm (if enabled) when a snow squall warning of significant impact has been issued by the National Weather Service,” they note. “If you get an alert, safely exit the road at the next opportunity and wait 30-60 minutes or until the warning expires.”
Have an Emergency Kit in Your Car
FEMA says to keep an emergency supply kit in your vehicle. As for what to include in it, they suggest jumper cables; flares or reflective triangles; an ice scraper; a snow shovel; a cellphone charger; blankets; a map; cat litter or sand (for better tire traction); a flashlight; and water. They also add to use your headlights, noting, “Visibility can be poor in snowy conditions, and using your headlights to see and be seen by other drivers is critical.”
