By Mackenzie Davis
The National Weather Service is forecasting a widespread accumulation of snow on Wednesday, Feb. 12, predicted to move in during the afternoon and continuing into early Thursday morning. Meteorologists predict four to six inches that could delay travel and traffic into the next day. For students driving to Grand Rapids Community College’s campus during this weather, Lieutenant Michelle Robinson, public information officer for the Michigan State Police (MSP), advises some tips for safer transport.
“One of the biggest safety tips that we like to share with motorists… is one: we always encourage you to turn on your headlights and make sure that those are operable when you’re going through any kind of adverse weather conditions,” Robinson said. “Some vehicle manufacturers’ tail lights do not come on even when your daytime lights are on. So make sure that you have headlights completely turned on. That way people can see you when there is blowing snow or heavy snowfall.”
It is also advised if classes are not canceled, that students drive slower on icier roads and keep a safe distance called a “reactionary gap” which enables a driver to slow down or move out of the way if the car in front is out of control.
“Mostly be prepared that if you do slide off, you have a cell phone charger in your car, make sure that the snow is not impacting your tailpipe that would create carbon monoxide poisoning inside of your vehicle,” Robinson said.
Staying in your vehicle and waiting for help, if you do slide off the road, is the best way to ensure a driver’s safety according to the MSP.
Following these tips, the State of Michigan recently passed Senate Bill 465 to protect snow plow drivers and motorists from accidents during the winter weather.
On highways and roads with a speed limit of more than 35 mph drivers must stay back 200 feet and 75 feet on roads less than 35 mph. This rule does not apply when passing snowplows but when stopped at an intersection cars must stay 20 feet behind the plow. Anyone violating these rules is responsible for a civil infraction.
“It is such a large vehicle it is hard for the drivers of the snowplows to see the people beside them so that’s why this law was enacted,” Robinson said. “To have more safety for that snow plow as well for the motoring public and so that’s why we are not allowed to go any closer than 200 feet.”
In the event of a school closure, students will be notified but driving carefully and keeping backup snacks, water, chargers and blankets in your car is a great way to stay safe this winter in Michigan.
