Drive slow on ice and snow campaign

A new traffic safety campaign encourages Upper Peninsula
drivers to slow down in snow or icy driving conditions to reduce
weather-related crashes, injuries and traffic deaths.  The effort
will be focused in the U.P. because this area experiences the longest
and harshest winter driving conditions in the state.

Sponsored by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP),
the effort is supported with federal traffic safety funds.  The
campaign includes radio and TV public service announcements and
flyers.
“It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been driving or what vehicle you
drive, slowing down is key to avoiding a weather-related crash,” said
Michael L. Prince, OHSP director.

The majority of winter driving crashes can be attributed to drivers
going too fast for the roadway conditions.  When this happens,
drivers can lose control and begin to leave the roadway.
A five-year review of U.P. crash statistic indicated:
* Men and women are equally involved in winter weather crashes.
* Most crashes involve drivers 41 and older.
* Weather-related crashes are focused in Houghton, Marquette, and
Alger counties.

The campaign’s TV ads were shot during a major U.P. snowstorm earlier
this year.  The ads can be viewed at www.youtube.com/ohsp.  In
addition to the ads, weather-related information flyers will be
distributed throughout the U.P.  The flyer myths and facts include.

Myth: The lower the temperature, the more slippery the road.
Fact: Roads are most slippery when the thermometer hovers around
freezing.  Black ice is deadly!

Myth: “When it starts snowing.  I give myself an extra car length to
stop.”
Fact: It can take up to 10 times longer to stop in snowy or icy
weather.  Look ahead and begin braking well in advance of an
intersection.

Myth: “Using my cruise control during the winter is no big deal.”
Fact: A sudden loss of traction could cause your wheels to slip,
making the car skid.  In winter months, keep cruise control off.