November 16, 2006

East Lansing - During Winter Hazards Awareness Week, the Michigan State Police (MSP) is reminding motorists to check the MSP Winter Travel Advisory before heading out on the roads.  The MSP Winter Travel Advisory is available at www.michigan.gov/roadconditions or by calling 1-800-381-8477.

The Winter Travel Advisory provides road conditions for the state's freeways and trunk lines based on reports from public safety personnel working throughout Michigan.  These roads are the first to be cleared during winter weather.  Road conditions for rural and county roads are not available, however it is unusual for conditions on these roads to be better than those listed for the area freeways. 

The listings are updated at least twice daily with more frequent updates during storms when conditions can change rapidly. 

"Our goal is always for motorists to arrive at their destinations safely," said Colonel Peter C. Munoz, director of the MSP.  "This can be especially challenging during Michigan's winter season, when snow and ice can create dangerous driving conditions."

The MSP created the Winter Travel Advisory as a way to discourage motorists from calling 911 or their local law enforcement agency for the weather report, which can tie up critical phone lines and hamper emergency communications.

"I encourage the public to check the Winter Travel Advisory and then use your best judgment; if the weather conditions appear too severe for travel, consider delaying your trip or take appropriate safety precautions," stated Munoz.  "Keep in mind that driving too fast for road conditions is the number one cause of traffic crashes during winter weather."

CONTACT: Ms. Melody Kindraka, MSP Public Affairs, (517) 336-6544.  The media is also encouraged to visit the Winter Travel Advisory Web site at www.michigan.gov/roadconditions or contact their local MSP dispatch center for more information.

Read more news releases from the Michigan State Police.