It’s that time of year—slushy, slippery roads are here. But fear not! MDOT has tips and reminders to keep you safe while driving on Michigan roads this winter.

• Slow down when visibility is low and/or when road conditions are snowy or icy— in ice and snow, take it slow!
• Give snowplow drivers plenty of room to plow and salt/sand the roads— snowplows need room to groom!
• Be extra cautious on bridges because they can be icy when roadways are dry
• Accelerate and brake slowly and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers, especially when merging or changing lanes
• Don’t pump anti-lock brakes
• Don’t text or talk on the phone while driving

When the roads are blanketed in snow and slush, unexpected events can and do happen. MDOT suggests having an emergency kit prepared and in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Items in your emergency kit should include but are not limited to:

• Warm clothing, boots, stocking cap, gloves or mittens
• Flashlight and road flares
• Small shovel, sand or kitty litter
• Blankets
• Fresh first-aid supplies
• Drinking water, granola bars or other nutritious snacks
• Small candles and matches. A single lit candle can provide warmth for four hours.
• A charged cell phone or other communication device

For more safety tips on winter driving, visit Michigan’s Winter Driving document and MDOT’s Keys to Winter Driving page.