Keeping the roads safe, come what may

Southeast Michigan: November 11, 2019

Before the last leaves have dropped from the trees, our region has already been hit with its first significant snow covering of the year. Traveling safely can be a challenge for drivers, and keeping roadways safe and clear is a challenge for local governments and road agencies in Southeast Michigan. This is why, months before the leaves had even begun to change color, road operators were planning for this first snowfall.

Winter Maintenance

Tremendous effort and resources are spent across the region each year to ensure mobility for commuters and safety for all travelers. Each year, SEMCOG conducts a Winter Maintenance Workshop for operators to discuss best practices, new technologies, and innovative techniques related to snow and ice removal. This year’s workshop was held at Washtenaw County Road Commission’s brand new Northeast Service Center in Whitmore Lake.

Dan Harmon, Director of Operations for Washtenaw County Road Commission showcased Washtenaw County’s winter maintenance program.

Participants heard about innovative training being brought to Michigan through the American Public Workers Association, Michigan chapter that included a snowplow rodeo skills assessment. From there, Cargill Salt and Road Safety talked about the benefits of using liquid salt brine. Under the right conditions, using salt brine for anti-icing can dramatically reduce the costs associated with labor, fuel, and impacts to equipment over using solids.

The final presentation was from Scott Bressler, Operations Deputy at the Butler County (OH) Engineer’s Office (BCEO). While the winter maintenance season officially begins in November, preparations are made far in advance. Workers are trained, equipment is calibrated, and responsibilities are pre-determined to ensure that once those first snowflakes begin to fall, response teams are prepared and ready to treat roadways to keep traffic flowing and everyone as safe as possible. Bressler also discussed doing more with fewer resources as budgets become increasingly more restrained. He described how BCEO has begun to lower capital costs by retrofitting existing vehicles with new equipment in-house. This approach can extend the useful life of vehicles that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to replace.

SEMCOG has hosted the Winter Maintenance Workshop for nearly a decade, and many communities look forward to the event as a valuable piece of their winter operations preparations each year. In addition to providing information on efficiencies, we are pleased to offer a holistic perspective on different road treatments. For instance, the impact of using salt or brine treatments on foliage near roadways is an important environmental consideration.

Winter Weather Preparation for Motorists

As road agencies work to clear roadways during inclement winter weather, motorists can also do their part. According to the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD), even before inclement weather arrives, drivers should prepare their vehicles. This means having vehicles serviced, including replacing windshield wipers and refilling wiper fluid. Replace worn tires and check air pressure regularly to make sure it’s within recommended limits. MSP/EMHSD also recommends keeping an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle. This kit should be stocked with flashlights and batteries; a battery or hand-powered radio, mobile phone charger, blankets, a shovel, first-aid kit, non-perishable food, and bottled water.

Before drivers are ready to set out, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends to know your route by planning ahead, and if available, using a GPS system. Also, build in a travel buffer to allow for enough time to reach your destination. Don’t rush. Be patient.

While on the road, the NHTSA reminds drivers to stay alert at all times. If you are making a long trip, plan some time to stop and stretch. Do not continue if you are drowsy. Also, avoid risky behavior like text messaging while driving, consuming alcohol or drugs, and speeding. Refraining from each of these activities is essential for safe and responsible drivers.

Drive slowly in inclement weather, as vehicles are more difficult to control at higher speeds, especially on snow-covered roads. Make sure to leave distance between yourself and the vehicles ahead. This is especially true if you see the flashing green and amber lights of the snowplow treating roads ahead. These vehicles generally travel slower than the speed limit to minimize salt scatter and increase the effectiveness of roadway treatments. Also, remember it may be to your advantage to stay behind the snowplow as roadways are generally clearer after treatment.

These are just a few things to remember when driving during winter road conditions. The Michigan Department of Transportation has created a video to inform drivers how to operate their vehicles during winter weather.

Traffic Incident Response Awareness

This week, November 10-16, marks National Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week across the nation. As we begin to think about holiday travel plans, the Federal Highway Administration and partner agencies across the country want to remind drivers to keep a look out first responders as they clear incidents on the roadway. Congestion following an incident can be frustrating and even costly through loss of productivity; however, first responders are putting their lives on the line to respond to incidents, even the minor ones. According to the Federal Highway Administration, following a traffic crash, the risk for secondary or additional crashes increases up to six times. Secondary crashes are especially dangerous for exposed first responders. The Emergency Response Safety Institute reports that in 2019 there have been more than 30 law enforcement, fire/EMS, and tow truck personnel struck and killed on roadways.

Drivers are also encouraged to be mindful of Michigan’s Move Over and Steer It, Clear It laws. The Move Over law requires motorists to move over with their lights activated or slow down and pass with caution if it’s not possible to safely change lanes, when police, fire, medical, or tow operators are on scene. The Steer It, Clear It law requires motorists to move from main travel lanes, following a traffic incident, as to not impede traffic flow. By following each of these laws, motorists can help reduce the likelihood of very dangerous secondary crashes.

As we’ve seen this week, winter can come unexpectedly. Be safe out there!