Michigan residents are no strangers to winter weather, both mild and ferocious. Knowing the weather conditions and respecting them, however, are two different things. When you live in a place where snow and ice are the norm, you may think that your experience with dangerous terrain will be enough to help you avoid a car accident. Don’t allow yourself to be fooled into complacency. Take the proper precautions to protect yourself and others on Michigan roads in the winter.
Respect the Michigan Winter
It’s not just the winter weather alone that causes car crashes. The way you respond to the weather conditions can be the difference between a safe ride and a serious Michigan car accident:
1. Overconfidence
Winter is stronger than you are, and no matter how confident you may feel about your driving abilities in tough road conditions, the fact is that you are not the default winner against Mother Nature. There is no way, for example, to predict a patch of black ice. All you can do is drive defensively and cautiously. That means no texting and driving, moving at a slower speed, and keeping a safe distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you.
2. Laziness
Yes, it is a complete pain to scrape the ice from your car and sweep the snow off the roof and hood. Don’t let laziness, lack of gloves, or a frigid temp prevent you from due diligence. A few seconds of no visibility when you’re moving at a high speed because of a pile of snow sliding down or flying up onto your windshield is the difference between a crash and safe passage. You need maximum visibility, especially when winter weather is working against you.
3. Recklessness
Want to show off for someone about your prowess in the snow? Want to prove to yourself that you can get from Point A to Point B and winter weather be damned? Don’t tempt the elements. Driving recklessly doesn’t prove anything about your strength or daring – it’s simply a faster way to find yourself in a Michigan car crash. Slow down. Drive defensively to protect yourself against the road conditions. Don’t put others in danger just to show that you’re not scared of a little snow and ice.
4. Distraction
For some drivers, it doesn’t matter how poor the roads are or how threatening the weather, there is nothing that can separate them from their smartphones. If you have any chance of distraction in your vehicle – from texting and driving or children demanding things in the backseat – temper all the potential distractions before you start the car. Put the phone away. Set your kids up with snacks and diversions. Turn the music off. Eat before you leave. Don’t be a victim of distracted driving.
Be a Smart Winter Driver
No one wants to be in a Michigan car crash. Poor weather conditions make the inherent risks of driving that much worse. Just use common sense before you get behind the wheel in winter. Remind yourself of what to do in a skid, on ice, in a storm. Make sure your vehicle is prepped for winter and don’t expect it to perform above its usual level.
Take care of yourself this winter as you drive through Michigan and beyond. If you are involved in a car accident, contact Thurswell Law for a free consultation with a Michigan car crash lawyer. We do not charge any fees unless you collect. Call (248) 354-2222 today to schedule your consultation.
