Top 10 winter safety tips for motorists in Washtenaw County

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.