Winter Car Survival Tips
Michigan winters are cold, dreary, and snowy. Traveling along Michigan roads over the next few months could be downright dangerous. In addition to navigating snow- and ice-covered roads, drivers might become stranded due to accidents or white-out conditions could pose a serious threat.
Among Michigan’s most rural counties are Dickinson, Otsego, Hillsdale, and Charlevoix. However, all areas of Michigan – including the more populated Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties – have the potential to experience significant inclement weather and treacherous roads.
It is common for every area of Michigan to experience at least a few heavy snowfalls each winter. That said, total snowfall varies significantly across the state. The website currentresults.com reports these average January snowfalls :
- Southeast Michigan – 11.83 inches
- Mid-Michigan – 21.87 inches
- Northern Michigan – 24.53 inches
- Upper Peninsula – 28.27 inches
https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/Michigan/snowfall-january.php
Car and Driver reports that “motorists get stranded on roads in whiteout conditions every winter… A massive snowstorm buried much of the East Coast in January of 2022, stranding hundreds of motorists in freezing temperatures…many were stuck for 24 hours or more, without food, water, or anything other than what happened to be in their vehicles at the time.” Are you prepared?
Tips on Assembling a Winter Car Safety Kit
Travelers, one of the MMRMA’s reinsurance partners, prepared the following infographic to provide guidance on being prepared when traveling roadways in the winter. Considering snow is common in Michigan, their risk guidance reflects best practices to avoid something unfortunate occurring when faced with significant inclement weather. Remember, proper planning prevents poor performance. While their guidance is for the individual motorist, some of our members may find their advice helpful for employees who may travel alone performing services for the member entity. We hope you find it helpful. Traveler’s also shares links to items that could be useful: https://www.caranddriver.com/shopping-advice/g42355954/car-winter-survival-kit-items/
MMRMA members can log into their portal account at www.mmrma.org/members/login to access several resources that address other winter-related risks, including distracted driving, winter safety tips, tips for thawing freezing pipes, and surface ice/frigid water rescue. For further risk guidance, please contact Membership Services to speak with a Risk Control Consultant.
Travelers Winter Driving Survival Kit Infographic 2024
