Winter in Michigan can be both beautiful and treacherous. As snow and ice blanket the roads, driving becomes a challenge that requires preparation, patience, and awareness. In 2023*, there was a total of 30,786 winter weather crashes, including 59 fatalities. The majority of these were single-vehicle crashes, which tells us that if we take reasonable precautions and understand how to deal with winter weather, we may reduce the possibility of a crash.
The most common hazardous action reported for drivers involved in winter crashes was excessive speed, followed by inability to stop in assured clear distance. The posted speed limit was 40 mph or below for 28% of winter weather crashes and 55 mph or below for 79%. So, while higher speeds definitely create a greater likelihood of incident, the chance of a crash at lower speeds is also increased by the weather —― and your readiness and driving awareness. *(Source: Michigan Traffic Crash Facts)
Our Guide to Navigating Michigan’s Winter Roads
Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter
Before the first snowfall, ensure your car is ready for winter conditions:
- Winter Tires: Invest in quality winter tires. They provide better traction on snow and ice compared to all-season tires. Make sure they are inflated properly – a temperature drop of 10 degrees can decrease your PSI significantly and impact traction.
- Check Battery and Fluids: Cold weather can affect your car battery and reduce its efficiency. Also, top off antifreeze and windshield washer fluid rated for subzero temperatures.
- Wipers: Replace worn wiper blades and consider winter-specific ones to handle heavy snow and ice. Check the fluid nozzles are free from ice – these can easily freeze in the cold.
- Lights: Check that all headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are functioning. Keep them clear of snow and ice. A mixture of water and rubbing alcohol can be sprayed onto lenses to prevent ice buildup, as can a commercial de-icing spray. Alternately, invest in vehicle-specific headlight covers to shield lights.
- Fuel: Keep car topped up, low gas can increase risk of fuel lines freezing.
- Frozen Doors: Apply a lubricant like WD-40 or silicone spray to door locks and hinges. Use a rain-repellent coating on doors to reduce ice buildup. Cover doors with a towel or tarp when parked outside. A windscreen tarp is a great tool to put on overnight or when the car is not in use. Check all door seals and weatherstripping regularly.
Essential Winter Safety Items to Keep in Your Car
Having the following items in your car can help ensure your safety and comfort during unexpected winter road incidents. Most can fit in a large plastic tote or duffle bag.
- Blankets or a Sleeping Bag – to stay warm if your car becomes disabled and you’re stranded in cold weather.
- Flashlight and Extra Batteries – for visibility in the dark or during low-light conditions.
- First Aid Kit – to treat minor injuries while waiting for help.
- Non-Perishable Snacks – energy bars, nuts, or dried fruits to keep your energy up.
- Water Bottles – store enough water for hydration; use insulated containers to prevent freezing.
- Portable Phone Charger or Power Bank – to ensure you can call for help even if your car battery dies.
- Ice Scraper and Snow Brush – to clear ice and snow from your windshield and windows.
- Jumper Cables or Car Battery Booster/Jumper Pack – to restart a dead battery.
- Small Shovel – useful for digging your car out of snowbanks.
- Traction Aids (Sand, Kitty Litter, or Traction Mats) – to help your tires gain traction if you’re stuck.
- Warm Clothing and Gloves – extra layers to stay warm if you need to leave your vehicle or wait for assistance.
- Road Flares or Reflective Triangles – to alert other drivers of your vehicle if it’s stranded on the road. A reflective safety vest is also a good idea.
- Multi-Tool or Pocket Knife – useful for various small tasks in emergency situations
- Tire Gauge – check your PSI and that all tires are balanced and at proper inflation before you leave.
- Car Emergency Kit – include items like a tire repair kit, tow strap, WD40, and duct tape for minor repairs.
- Emergency Hand Warmers – disposable hand warmers to keep your hands warm in extremely cold conditions.
Assessing Whether to Drive
Sometimes, the safest decision is to stay off the road. Always check the local and statewide weather (weather channel) before your trip; weather changes quickly. Indicators that driving might not be a good idea include:
- Severe Weather Warnings: If local authorities issue travel advisories, heed their advice. Watch the news, download and set notifications to weather/driving apps. Storm Shield is good source and is available for iPhones and Android. Another great app is Drive Weather, which provides real-time situational awareness along your route.
- White-Out Conditions: When visibility is reduced to almost zero due to heavy snow and wind, it’s best to delay travel.
- Icy Roads: If temperatures hover around freezing and precipitation is falling, black ice is likely to form. Remember, bridges ice before roads – and can be easily missed under snow. Black ice is a thin layer that accumulates on roads, sidewalks, parking lots, near bodies of water and wooded areas – and is most dangerous on bridges, overpasses, and in shaded areas.
- Unplowed Roads: If your route hasn’t been cleared yet, wait until snowplows have made it safer.
- Time of Day & Lighting: Winter crashes in Michigan most commonly occur in daylight conditions (49.9% of all in 2023), followed by dark unlighted areas (26.7%) and dark lighted conditions. Plan your trip accordingly for daylight and roads that may be unlit.
Black Ice & How to Handle It
Black ice is one of the most dangerous winter driving hazards. This thin, nearly invisible layer of ice forms on road surfaces most frequently during early morning or evening hours. Below are some tips for navigating on black ice.
- Avoid Sudden Movements: Avoid slamming on the brakes, and sudden acceleration. Keep all movements gradual and smooth.
- Slow Down: Reduce your speed and maintain a steady pace. When driving on black ice, you should significantly reduce your speed, aiming to drive at least half the posted speed limit or even slower, depending on the conditions; in many cases, driving much slower than 45mph is necessary; speeds as low as 10mph may be required on particularly treacherous patches.
- Maintain Greater Distance: Leave more space between you and others on the road. When driving on icy roads, you should leave significantly more space between your vehicle and the car in front of you, aiming for a following distance of at least 8 to 10 seconds which is considerably more than on dry roads, allowing ample time to brake safely in slippery conditions. On ice, stopping distances are significantly longer, so a large gap is crucial.
- Stay Alert: Pay attention to the road at all times.
Driving in White-Out Conditions
White-outs occur when heavy snowfall and wind drastically reduce visibility. Michigan is known for blowing snow leading to white-outs. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Reduce Speed: Drive significantly slower than usual and avoid abrupt actions which can lessen your traction and increase skid risk.
- Stay Visible: Turn on your headlights (low beams or fog lights) and ensure your taillights are clear of snow. Avoid using high beams, as they can reflect off the snow and worsen visibility.
- Follow Road Markings: Use lane markings or the edge of the road as a guide. Avoid lane changes where possible.
- Pull Over if Possible: If visibility becomes too poor, pull over to a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, and wait for conditions to improve. The shoulder is not a safe zone in white outs – try to get off the highway if possible.
- Turn Off Cruise Control: this can hinder your ability to react to quickly changing conditions.
Using Your Lights Correctly
Proper use of your car’s lights can make a significant difference in winter driving safety:
- Low Beams: Use these during heavy snow, fog, or rain to avoid glare.
- Fog Lights: If your car has them, fog lights can improve visibility in low-lying fog or heavy snow.
- Hazard Lights: Use these when pulled over to alert other drivers.
Avoid driving with only daytime running lights in low-visibility conditions, as they don’t illuminate your taillights, making it harder for drivers behind you to see your car.
Dealing with Skids
Even the most careful driver can lose control on winter roads. Here’s what to do if you start to skid:
- Don’t Panic: Stay calm and focused and focus on smooth, controlled movements.
- Steer into the Skid: If your rear wheels slide, turn your steering wheel in the direction you want to go. Align your tires with the direction the car is sliding, and keep your foot off the accelerator. Overcorrecting steering may send the car into an unrecoverable spin.
- Avoid Braking: If your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS), apply steady pressure – do NOT pump ABS brakes as it can disrupt the system. Otherwise, pump the brakes gently. Hitting the brakes suddenly will trigger a skid and increase an on-going slide.
Navigating Hills
Climbing or descending hills requires extra caution in winter:
- Climbing: Gain momentum before the hill and maintain a steady speed. Avoid accelerating on the slope, as this can cause your tires to lose traction.
- Descending: Use a low gear to control your speed, and avoid hard braking.
Handling Emergency Situations
If you become stranded or experience car trouble or a breakdown:
- Stay with Your Vehicle: It provides shelter and increases your visibility to rescuers.
- Run the Engine Sparingly: To conserve fuel, run the engine for 10 minutes every hour. Crack a window slightly for ventilation and ensure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow.
- Signal for Help: Use reflective triangles, flares, and your hazard lights.
- Seek Roadside Assistance – call your service or 911.
If you are involved in an accident, prioritize safety first. If possible and safe to do so, move your car off the road to avoid further collisions. Turn on your hazard lights, set out emergency flares.
- Contact the police and request medical assistance to the scene.
- Check yourself and others for injuries. Render aid to others if you can. If you’re seriously injured, don’t move – wait for medical assistance.
- Get insurance and contact information from all parties involved and witnesses. Take note of license plates and make/model of cars involved.
- Preserve the accident scene; take videos and photos of all vehicles involved, your injuries, the debris field in the road, skid marks, and the road conditions – before falling snow covers evidence.
- Wait for help in your car. In snow, a whiteout, or icy sleet, exiting the vehicle may expose you to additional hazards and oncoming vehicles.
If you are injured in an accident that was someone else’s fault, please reach out to an attorney who specializes in these situations to assist with recovering your damages and dealing with your insurance company. There is no cost for a consultation; one of our attorneys will be available to assess your case and guide you through the next steps. Contact us us any time of day or night.
Michigan-Specific Considerations
Winter driving in Michigan often means dealing with lake-effect snow and rapidly changing conditions:
- Lake-Effect Snow: This type of snow can be heavy and localized. Monitor weather forecasts for areas prone to lake-effect snow.
- Snowplows: Give snowplows plenty of room to operate. Avoid passing them unless absolutely necessary – they can lose traction and spin out as well.
Post-Driving Tips
Once you’ve safely arrived at your destination:
- Clear Snow and Ice: Remove snow from your car’s roof, hood, and windows to avoid creating hazards for other drivers. Remove all ice and snow on/by your wipers to ensure they don’t freeze.
- Inspect Your Vehicle: Check for damage or ice buildup that could affect your next drive.
- Clean Lights: Use a solution to remove all dirt and ice from front and rear lights.
Conclusion
By following these tips and staying aware of changing conditions, you can navigate snowy and icy roads with confidence. Remember, the most important thing is your safety and the safety of those around you. If conditions are too severe, don’t hesitate to stay off the roads. Safe travels!
