As the cold and winter weather continues, the Michigan Department of Transportation wants to remind drivers of safe driving habits.
According to the department, there were 30,876 crashes during the 2022-23 winter season, including 59 fatal.
MDOT spokesperson Nick Schirripa tells us drivers need to exercise caution when driving in a winter event.
“Go at an appropriate speed for the conditions,” Schirripa says. “The appropriate speed is one of which you can maintain control of your vehicle, both accelerating and decelerating. Allow yourself enough time to adjust, whether it’s steering, braking, or accelerating. Also allow yourself enough time to adjust your vehicle speed safely without crashing into anything or anyone else.”
Drivers should not only maintain an appropriate speed but also be aware of road conditions, especially in the event of black ice.
“Just because you feel like you can go a certain speed, you may be okay in a straight line at that speed, but as soon as you try to brake or turn, that’s when things can go wrong and go wrong quickly,” Schirripa says.
You should also eliminate distractions, make sure your vehicle is prepared to drive in a winter event and be mindful of your surroundings.
