Michigan winters can make travel especially hazardous, with lake‑effect snow, icy roads, and rapidly changing conditions that affect everyone on the move. Sharing these reminders with your community can help keep the road a safer place. Whether people are driving long distances or navigating local streets, staying alert, preparing for slippery surfaces, and planning ahead are essential.
- Watch out for freezing rain. If you must go outside and it’s slippery, wear sturdy shoes with good traction. To help maintain balance, keep your hands out of your pockets, take slow, short, shuffling steps and keep your center of gravity over your feet.
- Slow down. It takes longer to slow down on slippery roads: increase your following distance to other vehicles to 5-6 seconds and watch for slippery conditions and raised surfaces. Make sure you have your auto insurance provider and a towing company number in a place that’s accessible.
- If trapped in your car during a blizzard, remain in your vehicle unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. Make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- It’s best to stay at home during and immediately after a winter storm, but if you must go out be ready for the cold.
During a winter storm, follow guidance from local officials. If they ask you to stay off the roads, please do so. - Check your local weather and traffic reports before heading out and keep supplies in your car. Tell others your route and anticipated arrival time. Keep an emergency kit in your car including blankets, food and water, first aid, and other items you may need if you are stranded.