I’ve lived in Michigan my whole life, so our recent weather doesn’t surprise me much. About the only constant with Michigan weather is the fact that it’s constantly changing. Most of the time, the rapid changes are more annoying than dangerous, but this time of year is a little different. As temperatures hover around the freezing mark, road conditions can become extremely hazardous.
For the past week or so, moisture (in the form of rain, snow, or dew) has been accumulating on roadways. During the relatively warm daytime temps – often mid- to upper-30s – the liquid on the road tends to pool in certain areas. At night, when the mercury dips below 32 degrees, that liquid freezes into slippery and often undetectable “black ice.” Unfortunately, conditions are usually the worst during the morning rush hour. Earlier this week, black ice appears to have claimed two lives in separate single-vehicle accidents near White Lake. Icy roads have likely played a role in dozens more less serious crashes in the past two weeks.
Many Michigan motorists know by now that when you see ice and snow, take it slow. But even small, nearly imperceptible amounts of moisture can cause serious accidents. With temperatures dipping and spiking this time of year, err on the side of caution and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.
