AAA Services Motorists

DEARBORN, Mich., March 5 -- With continuing snow and cold temperatures, AAA Michigan advises motorists to take driving precautions.

Since midnight today (March 5), AAA Emergency Road Service staff has helped more than 650 motorists -- with common calls for help including tows for spinouts.

AAA Michigan offers the following snowy weather driving tips:

* Slick driving conditions can affect a vehicle's handling and braking ability. In fact, the leading cause of traffic crashes on ice-slicked, snow- clogged roads is following the car in front too closely. The driver in front stops; you can't. Increase your following distance on slippery roads from the good-road gap of 3 seconds to 6 seconds.

* Use extra caution on shaded areas and bridges, overpasses and intersections -- areas where ice is likely to form first or be slipperiest.

* Avoid sudden starts, stops, turns. Accelerate carefully so wheels don't spin.

* Adjust speed, or change lanes to avoid trouble. Watch for other drivers who may be unprepared for changing road conditions.