GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Fall colors are starting to make an appearance and soon many of us will hit the road for a color tour.
It’s one of the most beautiful times of the year in Michigan but there are some precautions drivers should take before embarking on the road trip.
Attorney Brandon Hewitt joined us from Michigan Auto Law with some tips.
Hewitt said Michigan colors will peak through the third week of October. He had some words of caution for drivers and their vehicles.
- Check all the tires for proper air pressure when driving in colder air temperatures. No one wants a flat tire during a getaway.
- Check and replace the windshield wipers – Autumn in Michigan can bring rain, snow, and every other type of weather – often in the same weekend, and our wipers are often the last thing we think about until we start using them and we just see a smear of dirt across the windshield. You can’t see the colors if you can’t see out of your car.
- Pack a first aid kit, blankets, and coats in the trunk for stops along Sleeping Bear Dunes and other hiking and scenic spots. Hopefully the days will be beautiful and sunny, but the nights come earlier and cool quickly and you don’t want to be struck outside unprepared for the elements.
Hewitt also shared tips for dealing with others who may be sharing the roads during an up-north color tour.
- Drive extra carefully with your headlights ALWAYS ON as there will be more cars and drivers on the road during this busy travel time.
- Pay attention for cars in front, behind and around you. Drive slowly and avoid passing. Most scenic fall color drives are two lane roads and narrow highways that twist and turn frequently. Take your time and avoid passing other vehicles as your ability to see oncoming traffic and avoid head-on collisions is limited on these small, busy roads.
- Be vigilant and courteous to bicyclists and pedestrians. Many people will want to strap their bikes to the back of their cars and travel these beautiful routes via two-wheels to truly take in the colors. It can be very scary for bicyclists on these roads with constant traffic, so remember that the law requires motorist give at least 3 feet of space when passing bicyclists. If you are riding a bike, be sure to wear a helmet, bright colored clothing with reflective gear for your clothing and bike, as well as illuminated or flashing lights on the front and back of your bike to make sure motorists can see you.
- Similar advice for motorcyclists – you are harder to see, so make sure you are driving with your headlights on, preferably with other motorcyclists, at slower speeds, and of course wearing a helmet.
And finally, Hewitt advised, “you can’t hit Michigan roads without proper insurance.” Make sure your insurance is up to date including your No-Fault medical coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of at least $250,000 so you are protected in case of an accident. “Remember – 250 is the magic number when it comes to Michigan Auto and Motorcycle Coverage – check your policy and ask your agent to make sure you have at least 250 in every category before you hop in the car to catch Michigan at its most beautiful time,” said Hewitt.
If you’re not sure what coverage you have, call Michigan Auto Law or email your Declarations Page to help@michiganautolaw.com for a free review and recommendation on how to best protect you, your family, and your fellow drivers.
BONUS TIP:
Hewitt identified three of the best routes to see Michigan’s fall foliage.
- M-119 - Also known as the Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route, this historic route runs along Lake Michigan for about 30 miles. The two-lane road has sharp turns and curvy roads that create a tunnel of trees.
- M-37 – This highway runs between White Cloud and Newaygo. The drive cuts through the heart of West Michigan’s forests.
- M-22 – This stretch of M-22 was voted the best scenic autumn drive in the US. It starts in downtown Traverse City and goes north along the east side of the Leelanau Peninsula. The route stretches for over 115 miles along the shores of Lake Michigan.
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