Season's First Snow Calls for Extra Caution, Says AAA Michigan

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 14 -- The first snow of the season is causing traffic problems in parts of the state this afternoon -- notably Kent and Ingham counties. Snow and winter weather advisories have been issued for southwest, central and east portions of the lower peninsula, and AAA Michigan urges drivers to exercise extra caution.

Slick driving conditions can affect a vehicle's handling and braking ability. In fact, says AAA Michigan, 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.

AAA Michigan recommends increasing your following distance on slippery roads from the good-road gap of 3 seconds to 6 seconds.

A good way to measure the six-second time gap is to pick out a distinct road marking or sign, and then begin counting when the car ahead passes that spot -- ``one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two...''

Use extra caution on shaded areas and bridges, overpasses and intersections -- areas where ice is likely to form first or be slipperiest because the shiny ice surface has either been polished by previous traffic, a thin layer of water covers melting ice below or a temperature difference exists. Some more winter driving tips from AAA Michigan:

Improve visibility by clearing all snow and ice from the entire car -- hood, roof, trunk, turn signals, lights, windows, mirrors, even fender wells. Also, driving with headlights on low-beam provides better road illumination in snow and fog than using high-beams. Posted speed limits are set for ideal road and weather conditions. Avoid sudden starts, stops, turns. Accelerate carefully so wheels don't spin. Don't brake hard. In a skid, ease off the accelerator and don't lock up the brakes. Carefully steer in the direction you want the car to go and straighten the wheel as soon as the car begins to go in the desired direction. Anticipate potential danger such as ice on bridges, snow-covered lane markings, stalled cars and poor visibility. Adjust speed, increase distance between other cars or change lanes to avoid trouble. Watch for other drivers who may be unprepared for changing road conditions. Motorists should carry shovel, boots and other winter items in their trunks and make sure vehicles have at least a half tank of gas.