Rules for Driving in Ice and Snow in Michigan - Lee Steinberg Law Firm

I'll Be Right There

Request Free Consultation

Rules for Driving in Ice and Snow in Michigan

Our law office handles auto accidents related to winter conditions, such as ice and snow, every day. We want to ensure everyone drives safely and gets to their destination without any injuries or vehicle damage. According to the Michigan State Police, in 2023, ice caused 8,742 crashes, and snow caused 10,840 crashes. Although snow and ice are a way of life in Michigan, they do not have to end up in a motor vehicle crash.

The following are tips to remember when the snow falls and temperatures drop. First, let’s take a look at preparing for the cold before driving. 

Prepare Your Vehicle Before Driving in the Winter

1. Clean the Snow and Ice Off Your Windshield and Windows. If there is ice on your front windshield, back window, or side mirrors, it is crucial to defrost and remove this snow and ice before driving. In fact, it is the law. Driving with an obscured windshield due to snow and ice is illegal and can result in a ticket and points. Don’t forget to remove the snow from your headlights and taillights so other drivers can see you better.  

2.  Wiper Blades. Make sure your windshield wipers are working and able to remove snow and water smoothly. If the wiper is breaking or leaving marks, get a replacement. Wiper blades are inexpensive and easy to install. 

3.  Washer Fluid. Make sure the washer fluid is topped off.

4.  Tire Pressure. Monitor the air pressure in your tires. Tire air pressure decreases as temperatures drop. This is because as temperature drops, the air molecules inside the tire move slower and closer together, causing the pressure to decrease. Lower tire pressure can make handling a car in ice and snow more difficult. It increases brake time and makes turning corners and steering more difficult.

5.  Emergency Kit. Make sure you keep an emergency kit in your trunk. This kit should contain a first aid kit, blankets, a snow brush and scraper, a flashlight with extra batteries, flares, jumper cables, a cell phone charger, bottled water, and snacks in case you get stuck. This is especially important when driving in more rural locations. 

Winter Driving Tips While on the Road

Winter driving can be dangerous, so extra safety precautions are necessary. Here are some important things to remember when driving in ice and snow.

1.  Give Yourself Space. When driving in snow, it is essential to give yourself more space between your car and the vehicle in front of you. It can take up to 10 times longer to stop on an icy and snow-filled road. Giving yourself more time to slow down and stop can make the difference between a normal stop and a terrible car crash.

2.  Drive Slower. When there is ice and snow, you must give yourself more time to react and break. This decreases the risk of a crash. Driving slower is not only smart; it is the law. A police officer can pull you over and issue a ticket for driving too fast, given the road conditions. The fine is over $100 and can result in points on your record.

3.  Give Yourself Extra Time. Because you will need to drive slower, allow yourself more time to reach your destination. 

4.  Steer into a Skid. Although most vehicles now have front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) and have auto mechanisms for maintaining control of the vehicle during a skid, remember what they taught in driver’s training (or were supposed to). If your car begins to skid on ice, take your foot off the gas and turn the wheel in the same direction you are skidding. Turning in the opposite direction can cause the driver to lose further control. Remember, turn into a skid.

5.   Bridges and Overpasses. Bridges and overpasses freeze more quickly and often than a typical roadway. Be especially careful while crossing a bridge or on an overpass.

6.   Keep Your Eyes on the Road. Focusing on the road and traffic conditions is even more critical during icy road conditions. This is not the time to play with your cell phone or radio. Use your mirrors to constantly check for vehicles around your car. Look at the road in front of you to gauge how icy and deep the snow is on the roadway. It is essential to be hypervigilant when driving in wintry road conditions.

7.  If in a Crash, Move Your Car. If you are involved in a crash, move your vehicle outside the roadway as quickly as possible. Some of the worst injuries occur from a second crash after an initial collision. Move the car to a parking lot or side street if you can. If you can’t, activate your flashing lights and call 911 immediately.

Snow and Ice Michigan Car Accident Attorneys Who Help

If you were injured in a car accident on icy or snowy roads, we can help. Please call Lee Free and the Michigan personal injury lawyers at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-866-696-9146) or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. 

We have represented individuals injured on Michigan’s wintry roadways for over 50 years. And there are no fees or costs until we win your case.