MLive reported that Karen Weaver, the mayor of Flint, declared a snow emergency earlier this week due to worsening conditions in the area. This state of emergency, which was extended through Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 6 PM, made it illegal to park cars on city streets to ensure that city plows could take to the streets as easily as possible. Extra snow removal crews were also out and about in Flint helping the regular crews clear roads and helping any individuals who may be in need of assistance.
This weather could not come at a worse time for citizens of Flint, because many residents are still having their water rationed due to the recent water crisis plaguing the city. Michigan State Police Capt. Chris Kelenske told the Detroit Free Press, “I strongly encourage Flint residents to plan ahead and obtain their filters, cartridges and bottled water early to avoid being out in the storm.” release. Water can be picked up at a number of fire stations in Flint including stations #1, 3, 5, 6, and 8.
It is also important to drive cautiously in winter driving conditions. AAA posted these winter driving tips to help ensure you are safe when driving in the snow:
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
- Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
- The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
- Know your brakes. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS) and need to slow down quickly, press hard on the pedal-it’s normal for the pedal to vibrate a bit when the ABS is activated. In cars without ABS, use “threshold” breaking, keeping your heel on the floorboard and using th ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
- Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
- Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.
- Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
- Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.
Drivers in Flint, Michigan or any place with bad winter weather should be extremely cautious when driving in snowy or icy conditions. Motor vehicle collisions are much more likely to occur in winter weather than in normal weather conditions. By following these rules, drivers can help prevent serious bodily harm or possibly even death.
It is always important to drive cautiously poor weather conditions because it can lessen your chance of being involved in a car crash. If you or someone you know have been injured in an auto accident, speak to an attorney at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced attorneys are highly skilled in helping victims of automotive injuries receive any compensation they may be entitled to, under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.