Sharon Township, Michigan

Washtenaw County Road Commission has provided a Winter Road Safety reminder for motorists, property owners, and children:  "In winter, motorists are reminded to follow Michigan's basic speed law, which requires them to drive at a "careful and prudent speed" in all conditions and which allows them to stop within the clear distance ahead.  It may mean driving lower than the posted speed limit.

The Road Commission also reminds motorists, property owners and children to follow these winter safety tips:

For Motorists

• Always wear your seatbelt and be sure that your children are properly buckled up
• Be cautious of bridges that may be icy when the approaching pavement is clear and dry
• Do your best to minimize distractions so your focus can be on driving
• Slow down when visibility is low or when road conditions are snowy or icy
• Accelerate and brake slowly and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers
• Don't pump anti-lock brakes
• Don't attempt to pass a snow plow vehicle while they are plowing
• NEVER attempt to pass a snow plow on the right.
• Plow drivers have limited visibility and they cannot see directly behind their trucks
• Make sure your windshield is clear of ice and snow before you start out.  "Peephole driving" is unsafe for you and other drivers on the road
• Snowplow drivers need all the help they can get when it comes to maneuvering large trucks through traffic
  and along the roadways for the benefit of all of us.  Please do your part and "Don't Crowd the Plow!"

For Property Owners

• Don't plow snow across the road or shovel snow from your driveway onto shoulders or roadways
• Don't pile snow high near intersections or driveways obstructing others vision
• Park vehicles away from the road and follow local parking ordinances related to snow removal
• Keep rocks, timbers, fences, basketball hoops, garbage bins, reflectors, and other items away from the road
• Keep areas around mailboxes clear in order to assist in safe mail delivery and to help prevent damage to mailboxes
• Maintaining the end of your driveway could decrease chances of getting plowed in, or having your mailbox damaged

For Children

• Never build snow forts, make tunnels, or play in ditches or snow banks by the road
• Stay away from the edge of the roadway as you wait for the school bus, get the mail, or watch the
  snow plow
• Stay away from the end of a driveway when a snow plow is approaching
• Keep sleds and toys away from the roadways at all times
• Remember, the plow driver can't always see you

"The Washtenaw County Road Commission is ready to do everything we can within our physical and financial resources to keep the roads in a safe and reasonable condition for public travel this winter," said Harmon. "But motorists must also do their part to be prepared for the challenges of winter driving."