There were 22,713 winter-weather crashes during the winter of 2023–2024, including 36 fatal crashes.
To educate motorists on the importance of driving safely during the winter season, the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning created a winter-driving social media toolkit.
Michigan agencies and organizations are encouraged to utilize the toolkit’s messages and graphics throughout the winter season to help prevent traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
Feel free to customize the text for your local needs.
Message: Most winter-driving crashes are caused by drivers going too fast for the roadway conditions. If roads are snowy or icy, the posted speed limit may not be a safe speed. Drive slow on ice and snow. Get more winter-driving safety tips at Michigan.gov/WinterDriving.
To download this graphic: Click on the image to open it at full size, then right-click and "Save image as".
Message: Switch to winter tires! Vehicles equipped with summer or all-season tires take much longer to come to a complete stop on an icy surface than ones with winter tires. Get more winter-driving safety tips at Michigan.gov/WinterDriving.
To download this graphic: Click on the image to open it at full size, then right-click and "Save image as".
Stopping distance of a vehicle traveling at a speed of 10 mph on ice -- with winter tires: 21 feet, 2 inches; all-season tires: 39 feet, 10 inches; summer tires: 47 feet.
Message: Do you know what to do if your car is stalled or broken down on a wintry day? These emergency tips could save your life. Michigan.gov/WinterDriving.
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Message: Don’t strap your infant or toddler into a car seat while they’re wearing a puffy coat or snowsuit. It will create extra distance between the straps and your baby. Dress your baby in light layers, strap them in snugly, then cover the car seat with a blanket or coat. Get more winter-driving safety tips at Michigan.gov/WinterDriving.
To download this graphic: Click on the image to open it at full size, then right-click and "Save image as".
Message: Never use cruise control on snowy or icy roads. If your car skids, the cruise control will accelerate to maintain speed, causing your wheels to spin even faster. Get more winter-driving safety tips at Michigan.gov/WinterDriving.
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Message: Winter roads put everyone at risk, not just drivers. Make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up and children are in the correct car seats. And slow down as you approach intersections and crosswalks to be alert for pedestrians. Get more winter-driving safety tips at Michigan.gov/WinterDriving.
To download this graphic: Click on the image to open it at full size, then right-click and "Save image as".
Messages:
Lower Peninsula: How carefully should you drive on winter roads? Pretend you’re driving Grandma to a church potluck. The 3-layer cake she made is in the back. She’s wearing her new white coat…and holding a dish of hot baked beans. Get more winter-driving safety tips at Michigan.gov/WinterDriving.
Upper Peninsula: How carefully should you drive on winter roads? Pretend you’re driving Grandma to a church potluck with her fresh pasties. She’s wearing her new white coat…and holding a dish of hot baked beans. Get more winter-driving safety tips at Michigan.gov/WinterDriving.
To download this graphic: Click on the image to open it at full size, then right-click and "Save image as".
Message: When sight distance is limited or you face whiteout conditions because of blowing snow, 1) avoid braking hard, 2) stay in your path of travel, 3) slow down gradually until visibility clears, and 4) try not to panic.
Get more safe winter-driving tips at Michigan.gov/WinterDriving.
To download this graphic: Click on the image to open it at full size, then right-click and "Save image as".
Message: Snowplows drive slowly, stop and exit frequently, and occasionally overlap lanes. Michigan law requires drivers to maintain a distance of at least 200 feet (about 12 car lengths) when driving behind snowplows that have their lights on and are actively salting, sanding, or plowing roads. This rule does not apply when drivers are attempting to pass a snowplow. The law also requires drivers to stop at least 20 feet behind a snowplow at an intersection. Stay back and give them plenty of room. For more winter-driving safety tips, visit Michigan.gov/WinterDriving.
To download this graphic: Click on the image to open it at full size, then right-click and "Save image as".
Message: If your vehicle breaks down or gets stuck in the snow, take this advice from Flurry the Snowman: Don’t drift away! Your car is a source of shelter and warmth, and staying put makes it easier for rescuers to find you after you call 911. See more emergency tips at Michigan.gov/WinterDriving.
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Message: Flurry has a lifelong dream to ski in the Alps — but he has a different kind of bucket list for you! To be prepared for winter road emergencies, fill a 5-gallon bucket with a Mylar space blanket, long-burning candles, a lighter or waterproof matches, a cell phone charger and power bank, and a flashlight with extra batteries. Get the full list at Michigan.gov/WinterDriving.
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Message: Our snowman Flurry says, “Don’t be in a hurry!” The #1 cause of winter crashes is driving too fast for the road conditions. Slow down, leave plenty of room between your car and the one in front of you, and put your turn signal on a little earlier (this gives the car behind you more time to slow down). Get more tips at Michigan.gov/WinterDriving.
To download this graphic: Click on the image to open it at full size, then right-click and "Save image as".
Message: Flurry the Snowman wants everyone to be safe over the holidays, so he’s giving you these winter driving tips: 1) drive slow on ice and snow, 2) keep your car well maintained, 3) keep a winter emergency kit in your car, and 4) switch to winter tires for better traction. Get more tips at Michigan.gov/WinterDriving.
To download this graphic: Click on the image to open it at full size, then right-click and "Save image as".
Message: Flurry the Snowman may be getting some new friends because a winter storm is on its way. Stay off the roads, if possible, but if you must drive, remember: slow down, leave plenty of room between your car and the next, and keep a winter emergency kit in your car. Get more tips at at Michigan.gov/WinterDriving.
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Message: As a winter weather expert, Flurry the Snowman knows that winter tires provide better traction and allow you to stop more quickly than summer or all-weather tires. Get more winter-driving safety tips at Michigan.gov/WinterDriving.
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Message: Flurry says, “Don’t blame the snow!” Most winter crashes are caused by driving too fast for the weather conditions, so slow down and leave plenty of room to stop. Get more winter-driving safety tips aat Michigan.gov/WinterDriving.
To download this graphic: Click on the image to open it at full size, then right-click and "Save image as".
