Over the last week, travel conditions have been treacherous. Just Monday, West Michigan made national headlines as more than 100 vehicles succumbed to the ice on I-96, resulting in a massive pile up. Weather events like these are why the Kent County Road Commission have their own mantra for challenging road conditions, “Slow and steady is safest, and can save you time in the long run.”
Communications Manager of KCRC, Maura Lamoreaux, shared her tips for driving safely in an email interview with The Collegiate. While slowing down is a good place to start, there are a number of ways one can prepare for the road before even leaving the house.
“During winter weather and periods of extreme cold, the Kent County Road Commission encourages drivers to first check current and forecasted conditions from a local media source or the National Weather Service to be mentally prepared for the commute ahead.” Lamoreaux wrote, “Before driving in winter weather, take time to clear snow and ice from the car’s windows, mirrors, lights, and roof. Snow left on a vehicle can blow onto other cars, reducing visibility and creating additional hazards on the road.”
Additionally, drivers should be mindful of their vehicle’s wheel wells when clearing off snow. By being vigilant about maintenance, car owners can prevent ice buildup that may impact their tire balance or damage their fender liners.
Once commuters have taken to the street, reducing speed to match conditions and increasing the gap between cars should take priority. After doing that, Lamoreaux wrote, “Allow extra time to reach one’s destination. Make sure headlights are on to improve visibility and remain alert for unexpected slick spots, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas. Remember that if bare pavement looks wet, it is likely icy. Avoid in-car distractions so that focus remains on driving.”
Defensive driving is the most reliable bet for those trying to get home safely, but there are instances when even the most proactive drivers will be caught off guard. This is why KCRC encourages motorists to keep their car’s tank filled and their phone’s battery charged before heading out on their winter commutes.
“Travel with an ‘emergency kit’. This may include warm clothing or blankets, phone charger, gloves and hats, a flashlight, jumper cables, water, nonperishable snacks, any necessary medications, a small shovel and an abrasive like kitty litter.” shared Lamoreaux, “These items can be critical if a driver becomes stuck, stranded, or experiences an unexpected delay. If your vehicle becomes stuck, it is typically safest to stay inside your vehicle and call 911 or other appropriate assistance. Run the engine for short periods, about 10 minutes each hour, to conserve fuel and provide heat. While the engine is running, crack a window slightly to allow fresh air in and reduce the risk of carbon monoxide buildup.”
In a pinch, remember the acronym CATS. Clear a path. Add traction. Soften Tires. Straighten wheels. Motorists can also do themselves a favor by checking out the MDOT Interactive Traffic Map and avoiding nearby crash sites. Additionally, the map can be used to locate many of Michigan’s friendly neighborhood snowplows.
“Drivers are also reminded to give snowplows plenty of space, by law at least 200 feet,” noted Lamoreaux, “Plows operate at slower speeds and snow coming off their plow and material being deployed from the truck can reduce visibility for vehicles traveling too close. Do not pass a plow truck on the right, as its wing may be in use.”
Once students and faculty arrive at GRCC, they are not out of the weeds yet. Maintaining awareness of nearby pedestrians is crucial. Walking slowly and wearing shoes with good traction might just save you from having to walk to class with snowy pants and a bruised ego.
Damien Amor, 18, warns about the extremely icy conditions of the hills and sidewalks on campus.
“I have to walk from the music building to RJF and going down that whole thing is like a slide.” Amor said, “If I could get a sled on it, I would slide it all the way down. I might actually do that just to save time.”
Going into the weekend, much of the state is under an Extreme Cold Warning. The National Weather Service notes that wind chills could approach as low as 30° below zero, at which point anyone baring exposed skin will be vulnerable to frostbite or hypothermia after 10 minutes. For those in need of assistance, call 211 or check out WZZM’s list of warming shelters in West Michigan.
Collegiate staff writer, Alexandria Webb, contributed to this report.
