Top 10 winter safety tips for motorists in Washtenaw County
The Washtenaw County Road Commission is gearing up for the arrival of more winter weather and reminds motorists to follow 10 simple winter safety tips:
A snow plow from the Washtenaw County Road Commission clears the shoulder of Textile Road in Pittsfield Township last winter.
File photo
For Motorists
1. Always wear your seatbelt, and be sure your children are properly buckled up.
2. Be cautious of bridges that may be icy when the approaching pavement is clear and dry.
3. Do your best to minimize distractions so your focus can be on driving.
4. Slow down when visibility is low or when road conditions are snowy or icy.
5. Accelerate and brake slowly and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers. Also, don't pump anti-lock brakes.
6. Don’t attempt to pass a snow plow vehicle while it's plowing.
7. NEVER attempt to pass a snow plow on the right.
8. Plow drivers have limited visibility, and they can't see directly behind their trucks.
9. Make sure your windshield is clear of ice and snow before you start out. “Peephole driving” is unsafe for you and other drivers on the road.
10. Snowplow drivers need all the help they can get when it comes to maneuvering large trucks through traffic and along the roadways for the benefit of everyone. Do your part and “Don't Crowd the Plow!”
The Road Commission also has a few tips for property owners and children to stay safe this winter:
For Property Owners
1. Don’t plow snow across the road or shovel snow from your driveway onto shoulders or roadways.
2. Don’t pile snow high near intersections or driveways, obstructing others' vision.
3. Park vehicles away from the road and follow local parking ordinances related to snow removal.
4. Keep rocks, timbers, fences, basketball hoops, garbage bins, reflectors, and other items away from the road.
5. Keep areas around mailboxes clear to assist in safe mail delivery and to help prevent damage to mailboxes.
6. Maintaining the end of your driveway could decrease chances of getting plowed in or having your mailbox damaged.
For Children
1. Never build snow forts, make tunnels, or play in ditches or snow banks by the road.
2. Stay away from the edge of the roadway as you wait for the school bus, get the mail, or watch the snow plow.
3. Stay away from the end of a driveway when a snow plow is approaching.
4. Keep sleds and toys away from the roadways at all times.
5. Remember, the plow driver can’t always see you.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
Life in Ypsi
Wed, Dec 23, 2009 : 9:55 a.m.
I drive a SUV and slow down when the roads are bad, still it's frustrating to have a bunch of impatient cars behind me tailgating trying to make me drive faster. I guess I'm supposed to risk my life so they can get somewhere faster. Here's a suggestion: leave earlier when the roads are bad! I also wish people would slow down when it's raining. It seems people drive worse in the rain than snow.
AAbornandraised
Tue, Dec 22, 2009 : 6:17 p.m.
This is good advice for all drivers, not just those in Washtenaw County. Also, remember to bring a coat along in case of a problem or accident. You never know when that short trip will turn into a problem.
Jake C
Tue, Dec 22, 2009 : 5:09 p.m.
Or to put it better, four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (different things, and there's also vastly different types of all-wheel drive systems as well) may help you *accelerate* faster, but your cars slow down just the same as the rest, and in many cases even slower because AWD/4WD adds extra weight to a vehicle over 2WD.
some one who cares!
Tue, Dec 22, 2009 : 2:06 p.m.
I live on Grove Road in Ypsilanti Township. When the snow plow comes be he seems to be doing about 50 MPH in a posted 35 MPH road. I need to replace the mail box every other year. If I'm out side doing something like shoveling snow, I can count on being pelted by the trucks. Now I work with a dump truck and I do plow snowing, and yes I do understand the fact that fast means the snow is far from being in the way the next time it is plowed, BUT i do remember the time when the trucks went slow and no ones mail box was knocked over(I stopped bearing the box about 8 years ago, after it was broken the first time). I think the picture of your show exactly what I'm talking about. In addition I'm hearing that the secondary roads are not going to get done because of over time. This bears the question if the truck went slower wouldn't the drivers get more time plowing? and then the over time. The next question about this is "How many people have to put burlap on their evergreen bushes, to protect them from flying snow and salt?" For the most part the Washtenaw County Road Commission does a good job, but like everything else in this world they could do better. Too much supervisors at the top and not enough workers (Ever try to get a straight answer from them?), Or just an other place to get the operational money. (What do you think the "Round-a-bouts" are? No electric bill. Speaking of such the Geddes/US 23 intersection is missing one thing that is the Dixboro/Geddes courner, I'd think the east circle could include the Dixboro also, as well as the west two circles could be maid into one. The circle could be big but six sided instead of four. Just thinking, Still cares
tracyann
Tue, Dec 22, 2009 : 12:56 p.m.
And to all those driving SUV's, make no mistake; if the roads are icy, four wheel drive won't make a bit of difference.
Vernice
Tue, Dec 22, 2009 : 11:55 a.m.
I suppose I could try being a tad more cordial in my posts. Someone's gotta set the example for those little tikes. But I'm not making any promises.
treetowncartel
Tue, Dec 22, 2009 : 11:51 a.m.
oops, should read ((about (not knowingly collecting information about children under 13 to all of) our)) posts now that we are aware of children using this site.
treetowncartel
Tue, Dec 22, 2009 : 10:58 a.m.
What about looking out for LED traffic lights covered in ice and snow? Vernice, we might need to add that disclaimer about our to all our posts now that we are aware of children using this site.
Vernice
Tue, Dec 22, 2009 : 10:14 a.m.
I hooked a plow up to the front bumper of my Festiva. Problem solved. Btw- I wasn't aware of the fact that children were logging on and reading annarbor.com.
doa1977
Tue, Dec 22, 2009 : 10:13 a.m.
Well all good advice,But as a employee of a local towing company for over 30 years,SLOW DOWN!!!!..I would rather sit in the office than go out and recover/rescue vehicles and they're owners because of driving way to fast for the weather conditions.The safety factor to myself and co-workers lowers when I or my co-workers are out and about running calls on the freeways...And also PLEASE move over or slow down when you see a emergency vehicle and yes Tow Trucks are emergency vehicles.Myself and others have much more too live for than a couple dollars winching you and your vehicle out of a ditch in the middle of a snow storm or freezing rain..Everyone have a safe and Happy Holiday.
theodynus
Tue, Dec 22, 2009 : 9:41 a.m.
"All season tire" is a misnomer. Snow tires are by far the best investment in your safety you can make in the winter.
chimarathon
Tue, Dec 22, 2009 : 9:32 a.m.
The picture that goes along with this article is probably worth some serious cash. You know how rare it is to see a snowplow out on the roads around here?
dading dont delete me bro
Tue, Dec 22, 2009 : 8:36 a.m.
tips for motorists in washtenaw county, wouldn't this work for motorists in other counties too? heck, why not the entire state?
John Hritz
Tue, Dec 22, 2009 : 8:33 a.m.
If all else fails: Keep a shovel, traction aid, warm clothes, a cell phone charger and comfortable shoes/boots in your car.