(WWJ) As temperatures dip and roads get slick, Michigan State Police are offering tips on how to get around safely in metro Detroit this winter.
On "Drive Right Wednesday" the MSP Metro North post reminds drivers that most winter crashes are caused by people going too fast for conditions. Police says it It takes ten times longer to stop your vehicle on snowy and/or icy roads -- even in 4-wheel drive vehicles -- so slow down and increase your following distance.
MSP says, yes, four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles are less likely to slip during acceleration than a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicle. However, MSP says 4WD vehicles are "just as difficult to stop and turn on wintry roads" as RWD cars.
Because 4WD vehicles are less likely to slip during acceleration, State Police say their drivers may not recognize dangerous road conditions until they try to stop or turn — and by then they may be driving too fast to stop safely.
The message? "Slow down! Even in your pickup!"
State Police say the most comment excuses troopers hear at winter crash scenes are: “The road was icy and made me crash,” “It was the snow that made me crash”, “I was doing the speed limit and I crashed, ” “I couldn’t stop in time and I crashed,” and the famous, “I was running late, lost control and I crashed!”
While blaming the weather is the way many drivers deflect responsibility, MSP says it's the driver, not the weather, that was the reason for the crash.
Here are some more winter driving tips for everyone, from MSP:
-- To stay out of the ditch: Don’t make any sudden moves. Accelerate and brake smoothly and gradually — no stomping on the brake or gas pedal.
-- Steer into a skid. If your vehicle begins to skid, first take your foot off the accelerator. Then steer in the same direction the rear of your car is sliding. In other words, if the rear end of your car is swinging to the right, turn your steering wheel to the right.
-- With an antilock braking system (ABS), when your car skids and you step on the brakes, you may feel a pulsing sensation. ABS will prevent your wheels from locking during a skid, giving you greater steering control. It will not help you stop more quickly, however.
-- Using cruise control on ice and snow can be dangerous. If your car skids, the cruise control will accelerate to maintain a constant speed — spinning your wheels even faster and increasing the chance you will lose control of your vehicle.
-- If you’re driving in snow, rain or fog, reduce reflective glare by putting your headlights on low beam.
-- Put your turn signal on sooner in the winter. It takes longer for the cars behind you to stop.
-- Avoid distractions! Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds robs you of precious reaction time. Put your phone away and don’t try to multitask.
-- Watch for black ice. Black ice, a very thin and nearly invisible layer of ice that makes the road look wet, is another reason to slow down this winter. Places that black ice loves, bridges, ramps and overpasses, Also sudden drops in temperature, and in shaded areas.
-- Remember, Michigan law require drivers to drive at a speed that is “reasonable and proper.” Even if you are driving at or below the speed limit, if you get into a crash you could be found at fault if the road conditions make that speed unreasonable for safe driving.
Related
