Michigan, February 16, 2026
Auto parts marketplace Ovoko is emphasizing low visibility as one of the most underestimated winter driving dangers, particularly in regions where conditions can shift from normal to hazardous within minutes.
Most people who’ve spent time in a snowbelt would call themselves confident winter drivers. Then a patch of black ice, a sudden whiteout, or a fast stop on slick pavement proves how quickly things can go wrong. It does not take much. A fresh snowfall can turn neighborhood streets into a mix of slush and ice, where even slow turns can end with a slide into a ditch.
State police agencies repeat the same message every year because the biggest crashes are often preventable, and they do not only happen in winter.
“We want to remind drivers to leave early, drive for roadway conditions, keep their eyes on the road and always wear their seat belt,” said Lt. Mike Shaw of the Michigan State Police. “If they want to avoid a crash during any season, use a turn signal during turns and lane changes, don’t drive impaired (alcohol or drugs) and be kind to other drivers.”
Ovoko’s safety message is straightforward: when winter weather hits, adjust early, not late.
Slow down and give yourself room
When roads are icy or covered in snow, the safest move is usually the least exciting one: reduce your speed and increase following distance, said Kazimieras Urbonas, automotive expert at Ovoko. More space buys you time. It gives you a better chance to stop smoothly if the driver ahead brakes suddenly, and it can help prevent the chain reaction crashes that often happen when traffic tightens up on slick roads.
Shaw agrees that the most common winter crashes start with predictable mistakes.
“Weather doesn’t cause crashes, drivers do. The major reason for any crash in metro Detroit was following too closely or unable to stop, excessive speed and impaired/distracted driving,” he said. “We see these same risky driving behaviors all year.”
Urbonas pointed to crash data to underline that risky behavior does not disappear when the sky looks clear. Nearly 70% of Michigan’s crashes in December occurred during clear weather, while snow caused only 2.25%. The point is not that snow is harmless, but that drivers often take risks even when conditions look fine.
Whiteouts change the game
Even when roads are plowed, visibility can be the bigger threat. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration meteorologists report that lake-effect snow develops downwind of the Great Lakes, often dumping more than a foot of snow during winter storms. Urbonas said winter storm Bellamy over Thanksgiving weekend followed that pattern, affecting 32 million people across a 1,200-mile stretch of the Midwest and Great Lakes region with 6 to 12 inches of snow.
“Gusty winds create whiteout conditions, making it dangerous for drivers who are traveling and experience reduced visibility,” Urbonas said.
Use low beams, not brights
In blowing snow, high beams can make it harder to see by reflecting light back toward you. Experts recommend low-beam headlights to reduce glare and help other drivers see your vehicle sooner.
“With an average of 42 deaths every winter, Michigan tops the U.S. in having the highest number of winter driving fatalities. What makes Michigan deadly is the lake-effect snow from the Great Lakes, creating whiteout conditions in just minutes, combined with busy highways that never slow down,” Urbonas said. During the 2023–24 season, “more than 22,000 winter crashes” were reported, “while 36 resulted in fatalities,” he added.
If you can’t see, get off the road
There is a point where “drive slower” is not enough. Experts say if heavy snow reduces your visibility to about 100 feet, you should look for a safe place to pull off and wait it out. The key is choosing a spot that is truly off the roadway, not on the edge of a highway where passing drivers may not notice you.
Urbonas cited NOAA forecasts that lake-effect storms can create snow piles a foot high or greater, and he warned that major interstates such as I-75, I-94, and I-96 can become “death traps” in the worst conditions.
“Detroit metro sees the highest winter fatalities because three major interstates converge there during the worst weather conditions,” Urbonas said.
Plan around weather and timing
Lake-effect snow can build quickly, and the same route that is fine in the afternoon can become a mess an hour later. Keep up with National Weather Service warnings and consider alternate routes when storm alerts are active.
Prepare your vehicle before you need it
Winter problems do not start only when you are sliding. Urbonas said freeze-thaw cycles can strain batteries and freeze fuel lines overnight. His advice includes keeping the fuel tank above half full, using engine block heaters when temperatures drop below 20 degrees, and checking tire pressure weekly because cold weather reduces pressure by 1 to 2 PSI with every 10-degree drop in temperature. He also recommends keeping emergency supplies in the vehicle, including blankets, food, water, phone chargers and ice scrapers.
Know the rules before you go
Winter driving safety is not only about technique, it can also involve legal requirements. Some state laws prohibit driving when snow or ice could fly off your vehicle and endanger others, meaning drivers should clear snow from the roof, hood, windows and lights. Some states also prohibit pushing snow, ice, or slush into roadways where it could block other drivers’ vision. Violators may face up to $100 in fines.