NOVEMBER 24, 2008

As the Winter Wonderland that is Michigan again returns, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and the Michigan Sheriffs' Association remind motorists to prepare for hazardous driving conditions.

"Winter is a great time to experience Michigan's beautiful outdoors, but without enough caution, snow and ice can make even short trips dangerous," Land said. "Drivers should take a moment to make sure they're prepared and remember to watch out for icy roadways."

Land recommends drivers check their vehicles to be sure they're in good working order, such as having working wiper blades, and proper amounts of antifreeze and window-washer fluid. Additionally, she reminds people attending holiday get-togethers that drinking and driving is always a bad choice no matter the season.

Terrence L. Jungel, executive director of the Michigan Sheriff's Association, advised motorists to keep an emergency kit that includes a blanket or warm clothes, a flashlight, jumper cables, tow rope, shovel, and a bag of sand or cat litter for traction.

"Too often deputies who respond to accident scenes find the driver or passengers are not prepared for winter weather, such as not being dressed for freezing temperatures or not having the right equipment to help themselves," Jungel said. "A fun winter outing can quickly become miserable, or even life-threatening, if your vehicle gets stuck or breaks down far from help."

To avoid sliding off the road, drivers should reduce their speed, allow for more room to stop, and brake gently to prevent skidding.

If the vehicle does get stuck, drivers should not spin their wheels, as that only digs the tires in deeper. Instead, use a shovel to dig out around the wheels and undercarriage, and turn the steering wheel from side to side to clear away snow from the front tires. Then, gently ease the vehicle out. If that doesn't work, try rocking the vehicle by shifting into forward and giving it some gas and then quickly shifting it into reverse and accelerating until the vehicle is free.

Additional information about traffic safety is available at www.Michigan.gov/sos