KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for Kalamazoo County that began Wednesday morning and is expected to last until sometime on Thursday.
Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller. (Photo by Jeana Gondek).
Just before 11 a.m. Wednesday, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced that a crash had occurred near Exit 36 on US-131, resulting in lane closures.
With all of this in mind, Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller is now reminding drivers of some basic winter safety tips.
“We want people to remember that driving, if you have to during snowstorms, is a precarious situation, so you really need to pay attention and look out for other drivers,” Fuller said.
Fuller says the tips to remember are simple.
“Drive slower than you normally do without impeding traffic, make sure you have two hands on the wheel and no hands on the hand-held devices, and that you are not panicking when it gets a little slick,” Fuller said.
There are also tips to remember when driving in blizzard conditions.
“Make sure that if it’s a blizzard and you have a hard time seeing and you’re actually stuck out on a roadway someplace, turn your four-ways on, drive slower than you normally would, and pay attention,” Fuller said.
For emergency situations, Fuller advises that residents keep helpful supplies inside of vehicles.
“Especially in Michigan, have something to put under your tires if you become stuck, like cat litter or cardboard, things that can help get you traction to get out of a tough spot,” Fuller said. “You want maybe a shovel and definitely an ice scraper for your windows.”
Sheriff Fuller speaks with WKZO every Wednesday. To listen to the full interview, click here.
To keep up with the latest information from the National Weather Service, click here.
