Bad Weather and Distracted Driving Don't Mix - Stay Safe This Season

Michigan's little warm spell this week is coming to an end with the arrival of an Arctic cold front, bringing freezing temperatures and high winds and turning all the week's rainfall into ice.

Following this forecast, the National Weather Service has issued Winter Weather Advisories for 25 counties in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

This is bad timing going into the busiest travel season of the year - add distracted driving into the mix, and you've got a recipe for disaster. This season, let's commit to staying safe by being mindful of both the weather and our focus behind the wheel.

The Dangers of Inclement Weather

Bad weather doesn't just make driving uncomfortable; it makes it dangerous:

• Reduced Visibility: Rain, fog, snow, and even sun glare can severely limit your ability to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and road hazards.

• Decreased Traction: Wet or icy roads dramatically reduce tire grip, making it harder to steer, brake, and accelerate safely. This is when hydroplaning becomes a real threat.

• Longer Stopping Distances: When traction is compromised, your vehicle needs a much greater distance to come to a complete stop.

• Unpredictable Conditions: Potholes hidden by puddles, black ice, and sudden gusts of wind can all catch even the most experienced drivers off guard.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving isn't just about texting; it’s any activity that diverts your attention from the road. When you combine these behaviors with high winds, icy roads, and low visibility, the danger multiplies.

Safety experts generally break distractions down into three main categories:

• Visual: Taking your eyes off the road (e.g., looking at a GPS, checking a notification).

• Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel (e.g., reaching for a drink, adjusting the radio).

• Cognitive: Taking your mind off the task of driving (e.g., daydreaming, a stressful phone conversation).

  
  

Texting is considered the most dangerous distraction because it involves all three at once.

As of 2023, Michigan became a "Hands-Free" state. This means it is illegal to hold or support a mobile device with any part of your body (hands, arms, or shoulders) while operating a vehicle. This law applies even when you are stopped at a red light or stop sign.

All of this is to say: put your phone away when you're driving this holiday season - it only takes a second of distraction to lose control of your vehicle when the conditions are this hazardous. Avoid disaster - or at least a traffic ticket - by keeping your eyes and mind on the road this Holiday season.