DETROIT – As an arctic blast hits Metro Detroit, there’s a possibility for snow squalls Wednesday evening.
Winter-like conditions are not unusual in southeast Michigan, though it’s been a while since the region dealt with the possibility of whiteout conditions.
Read: Snow squalls could cause dangerous driving conditions in Southeast Michigan tonight. What to expect
“It does not help that we don’t get our winters like how we used to. So, when it does happen everyone is like, ‘Oh, no,’” said Celia Salazar, a driver.
Drivers like Gayle Watson said they have some essentials like ice scrapers and extra clothing ready to go in their trunks.
However, she’s not worried about the inclement weather.
“I don’t plan to be out if that happens,” Watson said.
Michigan State Police reported more than 200 crashes happened over Thanksgiving travel, somewhat indicating it seems Michiganders may be a bit rusty.
“It’s going to sound weird but the lack of snow… so usually here in Michigan, drivers get eight – 10 inches – they automatically slow down. They increase their driving distance, they’re very careful,” said First Lt. Michael A. Shaw, a public information officer. “You get one or two [inches], they lose their minds.”
If you are on the road dealing with a heavy burst of snow with gusty winds and low visibility, Esther Ross of Motor City Driving Academy got behind the wheel to show Local 4 what to do following the READ Rule.
Right speed for right now. Eye up, brain on. Anticipate the next move. Donut of space.
Donut of space refers to protecting every side of your car, she said.
The message ahead of this round of bad weather: don’t panic, plan.
“What you want to be careful of is not to do rapid inputs and that’s what we a lot of times is when people our first reaction when we start to slide, it’s freak out a little bit – jam on the brakes,” First Lt. Shaw said.
When you jam on the brakes, he said it locks up your wheels which makes you lose friction and causes the vehicle to slide further than if you hadn’t tapped the brakes.
Some drivers say the weather plays a role, but they’re also concerned about others on the roads.
“I know how to drive these conditions,” Salazar said. “The problem is most people don’t and they insist going 10-15 [mph] over.”
When it does snow, people tend to drive erratically, Deandre Benson said.
“[Don’t] drive like an idiot. Be vigilant you kind of have to drive for other people as well,” he said.