Gearing Up for Safe Driving on Michigan’s Wintery Roads
As the snowy season approaches, drivers should gear up for winter conditions and cold weather driving. Hazardous road situations can arise during winter weather, especially on the icy roads of Michigan. While numerous tips exist for navigating these wintry conditions, one particularly beneficial piece of advice is making sure you have enough tire tread.
Checking your tire tread before the snow.
A simple method to check your tires at home involves using a penny. Insert the penny with Lincoln’s head facing down into the tire tread. If you can see the entire head, there’s insufficient tread for safe driving. Michigan.gov recommends a minimum of 1/8″ of tread for safe driving. To promote even tire wear, they also advise rotating them every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
The cold weather can impact the performance of brakes, tires, fluids, and battery conditions. Checking fluids every six months or between 5,000 to 10,000 miles is important. For an oil change, inspect the dipstick, and if the oil is below the marked lines, it’s time for a change.
More safety tips.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2021, there were 395 fatal crashes and an estimated 22,325 injury crashes that occurred when there were snow/sleet conditions at the time of the crash.
In 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 395 fatal crashes and an estimated 22,325 injury crashes during snow or sleet conditions. NHTSA recommends reducing speed when driving in snow, as it is more challenging to control or stop a vehicle on slippery surfaces. Increase your following distance on the road to ensure plenty of stopping time for vehicles ahead. Additionally, avoid crowding snow plows or traveling alongside them.
Find more winter safety tips here and prepare for Michigan’s wintery roads here.
Enjoy Michigan's Winter Wonderland With These Unique Activities
Frozen Waterfalls
Michigan’s winter takes waterfalls to a whole new level. They turn into these giant icy art installations that look like something straight out of a fairy tale. In the wintertime, the waterfalls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula freeze into giant icicles. At Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, you can turn this frozen wonderland into an ice-climbing adventure. Every February, it’s the place to be for the Michigan Ice Fest, according to the National Park Service. In Munising, the Ice Fest has climbing fun for both the experts and the newbies.
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Sledding/ Tobogganing
Whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart, sledding in Michigan is an absolute blast. Grab your trusty sled, find a good hill, and prepare for some speedy, downhill fun. Michigan offers a variety of sledding and tobogganing spots to choose from. You can have a blast at Kensington Metropark in Milford, take on Toboggan Hill in Lapeer, experience the thrills at Echo Valley in Kalamazoo, or slide down the slopes at Midland City Forest in Midland.
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Igloo Dining
Cozy bubbles of joy, great food, and a unique winter vibe. It’s like dining in a personal snow globe, perfect for a special date night or a fun hangout with friends. Igloo dining is available all over Michigan, and each spot offers its unique experience. Several places, including Bobcat Bonnie’s (multiple locations), Blake’s Farm in Armada and Almont, Lumen Detroit, and more, may require reservations and charge per-person fees when booking. It’s a good idea to give a call to these establishments offering igloo dining in advance to get information on their specific policies.
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Ice Skating
Time to channel your inner figure skater or hockey pro. Glide and twirl on frozen ponds and rinks, surrounded by the crisp winter air. Lace up and show off your moves, or just enjoy the occasional wobbles. You can find ice skating spots all over the state, whether you prefer to skate indoors or out. But if you’re looking for a unique Detroit experience, head on over to The Rink at Campus Martius Park. They kick off the skating season with the Christmas tree lighting in November and keep the ice open for fun until mid-March.
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Mushing
Hop on a sled and let some lively doggos take you on a thrilling ride through the snow-covered woods. It’s like being in your very own adventure movie. If you don’t have a pack of pups for some mushing fun, no worries. There are companies out in the state that can make your dog mushing dreams come true. Head up to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for an epic winter adventure alongside champion mushers. Check out Nature’s Kennel Sled Dog Adventures where you have a bunch of options, from 10-mile and 20-mile day trips to overnight journeys. You can also learn how to handle your own dog team and cozy up in a cabin or yurt. And if you’re in Gaylord, Treetops Resort has you covered. They’ll give you a ride, whether you’re flying solo or have the family. There are loads of other spots waiting for you to explore.
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Skiing/ Snowboarding
Michigan’s slopes are your playground, and the powdery white snow is your canvas. Grab your snowboard or skis, hit the hills, and enjoy the rush as you carve your way through the snow. Of course, with some hot cocoa breaks in between. Michigan has over 40 ski areas, with locations in both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, according to Michigan.org. Whether you’re an avid skier or snowboarder in search of excitement or a family of four seeking a relaxing resort weekend getaway, each region in Michigan has something unique to offer.
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Ice Golfing
Who says golf is just a summer sport? In Michigan, you can play golf on frozen lakes. In fact, the 10th Annual Ice Golf Cup Challenge is scheduled for February in Lake Orion, organized by the Lake Orion Sunrise Rotary. If you prefer, you can also assemble a group of friends and arrange your own game.
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Ice Fishing
Ice fishing, also known as snow fishing, is like fishing, but on a frozen lake. You drill a hole in the ice, drop your line, and hope for a bite. It’s a chilly yet exciting way to enjoy the great outdoors and maybe catch dinner. According to Michigan.org, ice fishing is accessible on over 11,000 inland lakes and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams in Michigan. It’s important to note that there’s no consistent “inch-thickness” standard to gauge ice safety. You can check the thickness and quality of the ice with tools like a spud, needle bar, or auger.
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Snowmobiling
Michigan’s snowmobile trails are like highways for thrill-seekers. Zip through the snow-covered landscapes and explore the winter wonderland in style. Michigan has over 200,000 registered snowmobiles in the state, according to data from the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association. Coupled with some of the nation’s most highly rated trails.
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Fat Tire Biking
Pedal through the snowy scenes of Michigan on fat tire bikes. These rugged wheels will help you conquer the winter terrain while you enjoy the great outdoors. Fat-tire bikes are permitted on all bike-friendly trails, including those designated for mountain bikes. Many volunteer organizations take care to groom trails exclusively for winter fat-tire biking. You’ll find numerous parks across the state with dedicated trails for fat-tire biking during the winter season.
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Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is like taking a walk in a real-life snow globe. Strap on those snowshoes and venture into the snowy wilderness at your own pace. Snowshoes make it easier and quicker to move around snowy terrain. You can start snowshoeing in any area with at least six inches of snow. Michigan’s winter season provides plenty of opportunities for snowshoeing, and some state parks offer groomed snowshoe trails, which are suitable for beginners and children.
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Curling
Channel your inner Olympian and give curling a whirl. Sliding stones on the ice and shouting strategy with your teammates is the perfect blend of skill and camaraderie on a chilly winter day in Michigan. In Michigan, there are curling clubs that provide introductory lessons for newcomers. Some of these clubs include Stormcloud Brewing Company in Frankfort, Traverse City Curling Club, Kalamazoo Curling Club, Detroit Curling Club, and more.
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