Road crews have some safety reminders for winter driving

BUCHANAN, Mich. -- It always takes a few drives in the snow to remember how slow you want to take things on the road, when you should avoid passing and how early you want to brake.

While road crews will get things as clear as they can, don’t forget those ways you can protect yourself. 

“Just because the road only looks like it has a dusting of snow does not mean it’s not slick, those are actually worse conditions than six inches of snow because then you at least have more traction,” said Kevin Stack, Interim Director at the Berrien County Road Department.

In Benton Township, a car slid off the road Monday morning on Napier Avenue.

This driver told ABC57 it was trying to pass that led to her losing control – something road officials discourage if you can just take it slow.

“Most traffic will be in the right lane, that’s going to be the clearest lane and it’s going to be moving slower, there are vehicles that are going to be going faster like semis because they’re heavier and can maintain more friction, but that can be very off putting,” said Nick Schirripa, Communications Representative for MDOT Southwest.

Remember those rules when it comes to plows – don’t pass and don’t get too close so debris isn’t hitting your window.

Staying a good distance behind can even make your path safer.

“They’re usually a pretty good guide for folks if you’re wondering what’s the safe speed, look at how fast a plow truck is going,” said Schirripa.