Despite snow removal crews across Metro Detroit working diligently to clear streets, driving following a Michigan snowstorm can be dangerous, if not deadly. But there are things a driver can do prior to hopping behind the wheel and even while driving to avoid causing an accident or being stuck in a ditch.
DETROIT, MI- Despite snow removal crews across Michigan working diligently to clear streets, driving following a snowstorm can be dangerous, if not deadly.
But there are things drivers can do prior to hopping behind the wheel and while driving to avoid causing an accident or being stuck in a ditch.
“Having the proper tools for the job is really important,” said Kurt Spitzner, Bridgestone Winter Driving School operations manager and instructor.
The 77-acre school in Steamboat, Colo., which Spitzner has taught at for 10 years, is an advanced training center for drivers to learn the best techniques for winter driving. Courses range from unique exercises for government agencies to everyday winter driving for teens and senior citizens.
Since 1983, more than 80,000 participants have attended the school for driving in cold-weather, low-grip situations.
And while Bridgestone officials said the best way to avoid an accident or ditch is to forgo driving all together if the weather looks too treacherous. We all know, work is work and someone needs to get the kids to school (if the district didn't close). So here are five tips from Bridgestone experts and others to combat bad roads during winter driving:
5. Grip: Utilize all of the grip available for one maneuver at a time:
- Accelerate only when you are able to straighten the steering wheel at the exit of the turn.
- Take your foot off of the brake before you steer into the curve.
- This allows you to use all of the available grip for steering.
- Brake only in a straight line prior to the curve when the car is traveling straight.
4. No cruising: While cruise control is a great technology, avoid it in wet, icy or snow-covered conditions to maintain control of acceleration and deceleration at all times.
3. Maintenance: If you haven’t already, make sure to winterize your vehicle. Make sure to check your filters, tire pressure and always keep your car washed.
- Filters: Oil, fuel, transmission and air filters are important to keep your engine running well. Check your owner’s manual to see how often they should be changed.
- Tire pressure: For every 10 degrees the temperature drops, your tires can lose about 1 pound per square inch (PSI) of pressure. Monitor your tire pressure more closely during the winter time.
- Washing: Keep the exterior washed and waxed to protect your vehicle from the elements as the seasons change
2. Be cautious: Determine how much traction, or grip, is available when driving in challenging conditions. Make sure that no one is behind you and hit the brakes firmly until the wheels lock up. This will give you a clear indication of the grip currently available. Over the course of a long trip, repeat this test often.
1. Tires: Whether you have an expensive sport utility vehicle or small junker, four things can help you avoid an accident in winter weather better than anything else, according to officials.
Those four things are your tires. They are the only parts of a vehicle that constantly touch the road to help you stop quicker, increase traction and be able to better control a vehicle in harsh conditions
For more information on the Bridgestone Winter Driving School, visit winterdrive.com.
Click here for a detailed report on why winter tires matter.
Click here for more on the winter storms hitting Michigan.
Michael Wayland covers the automotive industry for MLive. Email him at MWayland@mlive.com & follow him on Twitter @MikeWayland or Google+.