Overview
- Michigan State Police remind drivers to slow down, leave early, and buckle up, citing data that Michigan averages about 42 winter road deaths with tens of thousands of crashes each season.
- Indiana State Police urge patience and caution by increasing following distance to eight to ten seconds on slick roads, turning off cruise control, and accelerating and braking smoothly.
- All‑wheel or four‑wheel drive does not shorten stopping distances, which officers warn can create a false sense of security in heavy snow.
- Readiness checks include proper tire tread and inflation, a tested battery, fresh wiper blades with winter‑grade washer fluid, at least a half tank of fuel, and a stocked emergency kit.
- Visibility guidance calls for low‑beam headlights in snow, pulling off to a safe location if you cannot see roughly 100 feet, and giving snowplows ample room to work.