Safe driving on slushy roads

Posted: 11.15.2010 at 5:22 PM

Numerous crashes on Saturday

Saturday's inclement weather made for some slushy roads, and Michigan State Police dispatchers had over 30 crashes reported on Saturday, the most in years they say.

State Police say the accidents were due to the snowfall on warm roads which created slush, and the temperatures caused freezing underneath the slush, making the roads extra slick.

Trooper Keel Stine of the Michigan State Police says that the crashes were also due to so many people being out on the roads.

"It was Saturday, people are getting ready for hunting season, getting ready for shopping, and people wanted to be moving around; nobody had to work that day, so people were just driving around getting their errands done, and the roads were worse than expected," said Stine.

We all know driving each winter takes a bit of getting used to again, but here are a few reminders for driving in slushy weather:

Drive extra slow if the conditions call for it
If you feel yourself start to skid, take your foot off the accelerator and stop gradually; trying to stop too quickly can cause you to slide
Whatever happens, stay calm and regain control of the vehicle
If you have anti-lock breaking, don't pump the breaks, keep a steady pressure on the pedal