Ahhh, winters in Michigan. The only good thing about this season is that it ends. However, for several long, dreary months, we must tromp through snow, and worse yet, drive in it. Before you strap on your seatbelt and hit the road, please keep the following things in mind whilst cruising through a winter wonderland:
- Prepare yourself. For goodness sake, brush your car off before backing out of your driveway. I don’t care if you’re running late to get Jimmy to school—defrost your windows, brush the snow off your headlights and chip away at those mirrors. It might take a minute and you may lose a finger to frostbite, but hey, it’s either that or get into an accident.
- Drive with caution, not like a snail. We all see those people driving approximately two miles an hour in the center lane on the highway, am I right? While you might be able to get out and run faster, use this scenario as an example of what not to do. There’s a difference between cautious driving and absurd driving. This falls into the latter.
- Shelve your road rage until spring. What’s the only thing worse than driving through an outrageous snowstorm? Driving through an outrageous snowstorm with middle fingers flying and horns honking. Navigating through snow and ice is stressful enough, so don’t add on to the burden of others.
- Remember that you’re not participating in the Indy 500. This means refrain from gunning it as soon as the light turns green, and when you’re approaching a red, don’t slam on the brakes. We’re dealing with snow and ice here, and if you drive like a nutcase, you’re going to cause a collision.
- Use your maternal/animal/whatever instincts. If you see snow a-falling outside, you might want to leave the house a few minutes early. Be ready for any and all circumstances, such as black ice, falling icicles and the usual slew of crazy drivers.
Just remember to heed my words of advice. Now, hop in your car, crank up the holiday tunes and get going!
