Table of Contents
“5 Ways Slippery Roads Cause Chaos in West Michigan: Crashes and Closures”
Slippery roads lead to crashes, West Michigan road closures
1. Equip Your Vehicle
Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready with snow tires or chains. Keep an emergency kit, including blankets, flashlights, and first-aid supplies.
2. Slow Down
Reduced speeds give you more control and reaction time on icy roads. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to avoid collisions.
3. Plan Ahead
Check road conditions and weather forecasts before setting out. Use GPS tools that offer real-time updates on closures and hazards.
4. Drive Smart
Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns, as they increase the likelihood of skidding. Use gentle maneuvers and maintain a steady pace.
5. Stay Visible
Turn on headlights in low visibility conditions, even during the day. Clear snow and ice from windows and mirrors to enhance visibility.
By preparing and adapting to road conditions, you can ensure your safety and reduce accidents during Michigan’s challenging winter months. Follow local travel advisories to stay informed and cautious.
GRAND RAPIDS,Michigan (WOOD) — Poor road conditions led to multiple highway closures Thursday morning and at least one West Michigan sheriff’s department asked people to avoid driving.
The department asked people to stay off the roads. It said it had seen several crashes and slips overnight, some involving trucks and trucks, and conditions were even worse in the western part of the county. It warned of blowing snow and downing trees and power lines due to strong winds.
The crashes led to highway closures throughout the morning. Just south of Grand Rapids, northbound US-131 was closed for about 2.5 hours at 100th Street due to a multiple-vehicle collision before reopening at 6:40 a.m.
The Michigan Department of Transportation said eastbound I-96 was closed and later only one lane was closed on M-66 near Portland. MDOT said eastbound I-96 was closed after M-6, southbound I-96 was closed after 109th Avenue in Allegan County and westbound I-94 was closed at M-37 near Climax. All later reopened.
A portion of 120th Avenue in Holland Township was closed Wednesday night after snow accumulated and caused about 40 minor accidents and slides, Ottawa County Sheriff Steve Kempker said.
West Michigan to see more snow, strong winds
If you must get out, remember winter driving safety tips: Slow down, leave plenty of space between yourself and other vehicles and remove distractions.
In addition to strong winds causing intermittent whiteout conditions, part of the problem was how cold the weather was. With temperatures below 20 degrees, road salt was less effective. The Kent County Road Commission said it was using a sand-salt mixture to provide traction. It hoped the salt would start working better as the day went on and the weather warmed up a bit.
Kent County said the main problem it was seeing was a thin layer of ice on roads. Crews who worked overnight started on state roads and moved on to primary county roads and then local roads Thursday morning. They are paying special attention to laying sand-salt on hills, curves and intersections.
“While crews cannot reach every neighborhood, we will prioritize intersections where neighborhoods meet main roads,” the road commission said.
Dozens of school districts in West Michigan, including Grand Rapids Public Schools, canceled classes Thursday because of bad weather and road conditions. Some city and county governments closed their offices or courthouses, though emergency services certainly remained on the job.
Conclusion:
As West Michigan faces challenging winter conditions, it’s crucial for drivers to stay alert and prepared. Icy roads, snowstorms, and sudden weather changes can quickly escalate into dangerous situations, leading to accidents and road closures. By staying informed, driving cautiously, and allowing extra travel time, motorists can minimize risks. Authorities continue to manage the situation, but staying proactive ensures safety for all travelers on the road.
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