By Staff
Winter weather is just around the corner, so now is the time to prepare for hazardous conditions on the roadways.
Michigan is wrapping up its Winter Hazard Awareness Week, but that doesn't mean that motorists should stop worrying about road conditions that could become dangerous over the coming months.
Michigan State Police would like to remind drivers that information is available 24 hours a day through a Web site and via a toll-free number.
The State Police's Winter Travel Advisory is available at www.michigan.gov/roadconditions or by calling (800) 381-8477.
The Winter Travel Advisory will give drivers the latest road conditions for the state's freeways and trunk lines.
That information is based on public safety personnel reports from around the state.
The freeways and trunk lines in Michigan will be among the first roadways cleared during winter weather.
There will be no information provided for rural and county roads. The advisories will be updated at least twice daily and more often during storms.
The State Police would like to point out that the Web site and telephone reports were created to keep motorists from using 911 or local police departments from having to answer road condition questions.
During hazardous weather conditions, the phone lines to the local police agencies and 911 need to remain open for immediate emergencies.
The road commissions around the state of Michigan do a wonderful job of keeping our roads as clean and safe as possible.
The State Police would urge drivers to use the information provided by the Winter Travel Advisory and then use common sense when it comes to driving.
As always, the life you may save could be your own.