It’s that time of year again. With last year’s extreme snow season resulting in many snow and ice days, this year’s winter may be no different. Winter in Michigan is notorious for surprises and the best that people can do is try to prepare for the worst.
Adequate preparation is key according to Officer Ashley.
“If people get stuck, people may not have the right equipment in their car,” Deputy Ashley said. “People also may forget to make sure all the equipment in their car is working, their tires may not be inflated properly, for example.”
Senior Ben Catlin will be among the people who will be prepared this winter.
“I’m getting winter tires and having blankets and jumper cables in my trunk,” Catlin said. “I also will have a little bit of extra gas in a gas can in my trunk if I were to run out.”
Even with preparation, drivers cannot change road conditions and must adapt to them accordingly to ensure safe travel.
“Ice is always a big one, especially black ice, because you really can’t see it,” Deputy Ashley said. “I think most accidents are caused by people driving too fast for the conditions.”
Surely, with the road conditions and the bitterly cold weather that Michigan brings, parents worrying is surely to expected.
“My parents worry and have me text them to make sure I got to where I needed to be safely,” senior Alexis Tangalos said. “I try not to go too many places.”
Deputy Ashley looks to provide some insight so that drivers can educate themselves on driving in the Michigan winters.
“Know your car — know how it handles. Take it slow, watch out for other traffic,” Deputy Ashley said. “When you approach an intersection, make sure that a car isn’t sliding through and make sure you leave plenty of space between you and other cars.”
Deputy Ashley sums it up to being prepared and being careful.
“If you break down and get stuck somewhere, be mindful to wear appropriate clothing ahead of time or make sure you have that clothing in your car,” Deputy Ashley said. “Don’t be in a hurry, slow down, be aware of your surroundings and make sure that you have the proper gear with you.”
