Active Aging: Driving tips for all ages when the weather turns frightful

by Mandy Bartus

One of my favorite parts of living in Texas was the warm weather and sunshine. At the slightest dusting of snow, the whole state would shut down for the foreseeable future. When we moved back to Michigan, I knew those days were coming to an end. I would need to bust out my car scraper again and get ready to trek snow-covered roads.

Whether you need to get to the Stockbridge Senior Center—or to work, a medical appointment, school, or to run errands, it’s important to know how to change your driving in the snow. I turned to the local police department for some safety tips and tricks.

Stockbridge Police Department’s Officer Ronald Smith advised the community to “slow your speed down on ice and snow and keep a longer distance between you and the car in front of you.”

“Give the car in front of you plenty of warning by using your turn signal,” Smith said. “Regardless of two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, it still takes a significantly longer distance for a vehicle to stop in icy conditions.”

The state of Michigan reported more than 220,000 winter-related car crashes between 2015 and 2019, indicating that caution is significantly more important in slippery conditions. Stockbridge’s Officer Josh Howe urges drivers to “fully clear off your car from snow and ice before driving and keep your tires properly inflated.”

Chief Matthew Bartus recommends keeping an emergency kit inside of your vehicle, especially during the winter months. Important contents for this kit include jumper cables, emergency tool kit, flashlight, blanket, snow brush, reflective triangle, first-aid kit, cellphone charger, hat and gloves, and even a good pair of boots. “If you do become stranded in your vehicle in a snowstorm, stay in your vehicle and call 911 for help,” Bartus said. “During a snowstorm, it may take time for first responders to respond to all accidents and standing alongside the road could put you at risk of being hit by other sliding cars.”

School Resource Officer Crystal King loves a good snow day but not every snowy day can be a snow day. “It is important to remember to avoid sudden, quick moves. Accelerate and brake slowly and don’t stomp on your brakes. Slow and steady,” King said.

Another important reminder: When the schools close, the Stockbridge Area Senior Center also closes, so stay home and stay warm on those days. Stay safe, Stockbridge!

Mandy Bartus is a member of the board of directors of the Stockbridge Area Senior Center (SASC)—a great place to spend time. Visit stockbridgeareaseniors.org or call 517-480-0353 for more information.

Regardless of whether you’re headed to the Stockbridge Area Senior Center or somewhere else, it’s important to know how to change your driving in the snow. Image credit: Jairo Gonzalez on unsplash.com