November 22, 2004

Lansing - The Michigan State Police (MSP) and the Lansing Area Safety Council presented a safe winter driving demonstration today at the MSP Precision Driving Facility in Lansing.

During the demonstration, representatives from the MSP Precision Driving Unit and the Lansing Area Safety Council provided tips for safe driving during the winter season. Some of those tips included:

• Keep your tires at the car manufactures’ recommended pressure and routinely check tire pressure during the cold weather.
• Keep your car’s windshield solvent at full strength and reservoir full, and keep new wiper blades on front and rear wipers, if so equipped.
• Keep your car washed for better visibility to other drivers, and remove ice and snow from all lights, windows and license plate before driving.
• Periodically check all lights and replace when necessary.
• If you are stranded in a winter storm, do not leave your vehicle. Stay with the vehicle and wait for help.

"Michigan weather is unpredictable anytime of the year, but especially during the winter months," said Sergeant James Flegel, MSP Precision Driving Unit. "The most important fact to remember is the handling capability of your car is drastically reduced in winter weather so it is best to use a slower speed to compensate for poor handling."

Additionally, officers remind motorists to be aware of several factors when stopping and turning in winter weather. Remember to do all of your braking before the turn is made and take a proper line of travel through the turn to reduce the potential for a skid to occur. If your car begins to skid, correct the skid by getting off the throttle, staying off the brakes and use quick hand over hand steering technique to turn the front tires in the direction you want to go.

The MSP Precision Driving Facility provides emergency vehicle operations training to members of the law enforcement community from Michigan and across the country. The facility features a nine acre precision maneuvering pad (700’ x 500’), a three acre skid pad (500’ x 200’), an off-road recovery lane, a one mile performance course, an observation tower, six full-time staff members and 27 safety equipped vehicles.

Read more press releases from the Michigan State Police.