GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — It happens every year. As inevitable as snow falling is, people forget how to drive in it.
But luckily, the police don't.
The Kent County Sheriff's Department responded to 33 accidents Thursday morning, the Michigan State Police (MSP) worked 16 accidents between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, and the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) responded to 12 accidents.
GRPD Sgt. John Wittkowski has some tips for drivers out on the roads during the snowy season.
"Scrape off your car, make sure all your windows are clear so you have good 360-degree visibility and take your time when you're heading to work [to] give yourself extra minutes," Wittkowski said.
If you do start to spin out, let off the gas.
"Let the car right itself, don't be so quick to slam on the brakes," Wittkowski said.
Now is the time to make sure your car is in good working condition. Check the tread on your tires, make sure your wipers aren't worn out and keep a blanket, ice scraper and shovel in your car.
"If you're going to hit something, brace yourself for it," Wittkowksi said. "It happens and sometimes it's unavoidable, it's just a fact of the conditions that we're dealing with."
An all-wheel-drive car does not mean it's invincible.
"I have an all-wheel-drive vehicle and sometimes I think I'm impervious to the elements but that's clearly not the case, any vehicle can spin out of control," Wittkowski said.
The most important thing to remember is to SLOW DOWN!
He advises people to "be aware that black ice or ice on the roadway is very problematic, even with the sun coming out and motorists thinking that the road is dry or at least very wet, it can also be very very icy."
The State of Michigan has some helpful tips for being prepared while on the road and prior to travel.
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