NY winter driving tips to keep you safe
Winter can be hard on cars and challenge drivers. If you have to drive in the snow, check out these tips for getting there and back again safely.
The metro Detroit will continue to be under a winter weather advisory until 10 a.m. Sunday, with snow flurries, possibly 2 inches of additional accumulation, in the morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Sunday is expected to be cloudy and chilly with slow and slippery travel in the morning, with wind gusts of up to 35 mph, the NWS says.
Search road conditions of any travel planned Sunday morning, at Michigan’s MDOT Michigan Drive Map.
The National Weather Service also advises cautious travel Sunday morning as the roads will be slippery.
Michigan weather radar
How to stay safe on slick winter roads
- It can take up to 10 times longer to stop your vehicle on snowy and/or icy roads. Slow down and allow more room between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.
- Put your turn signal on sooner than you would in warm weather months. Remember, it takes longer for the cars behind you to react and stop.
- Avoid distractions. Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds robs you of precious reaction time. Put your phone away and don’t try to multitask (eating, putting on makeup, etc.).
- Watch for black ice. Black ice, a very thin and nearly invisible layer of ice that makes the road look wet, is another reason to slow down this winter. Stay alert for black ice on bridges, ramps and overpasses, and in shaded areas.
- Avoid a ticket. Michigan laws require drivers to move at a speed that is “reasonable and proper” for the road conditions. Even if you are driving at or below the speed limit, you could get a ticket if the road conditions make that speed unreasonable for safe driving.
- Clear the exhaust pipe. Keep the pipe clear of ice, snow, debris and mud. A blocked exhaust pipe can cause a carbon monoxide leak.
- Use floormats. Floor mats can be used as traction under your vehicle when it’s stuck in snow or ice.
But conditions are expected to improve in the afternoon, the NWS said. The high is expected to be 37 degrees.
Monday is predicted to be cloudy with more snow, from a dusting to up to an inch with a high of 33 degrees.
Jalen Williams contributed to this story.
Follow the Detroit Free Press on Instagram (@detroitfreepress), TikTok (@detroitfreepress), YouTube (@DetroitFreePress), Twitter/X (@freep), and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook (@detroitfreepress).
Contact Amy Huschka: ahuschka@freepress.com or follow her on Twitter/X (@aetmanshuschka).
Stay connected and stay informed. Become a subscriber.
