The Michigan State Police would like to remind all to think of winter and cold weather preparedness with these extremely low temperatures. Injuries or worse can be prevented by thinking ahead and taking proper steps to keep warm and safe during these times.

My post commander passed on the following information to us:

“We have received some phone calls today from MDOT drivers upset about private contractors and homeowners pushing show across plowed roads and highways.  They would like us to take enforcement actions. Below is a copy of the law, Section 257.677a. This is a civil infraction so we would have to witness the infraction which I explained to MDOT. Just be aware.”

MVC 257.677a — Obstruction of safety vision by removal or deposit of snow, ice, or slush prohibited…(1) As used in this section: (a) “Person” shall not include the state or a political subdivision of the state or an employee of the state or a political subdivision of the state operating within the scope of his duties. (b) “Safety vision” means an unobstructed line of sight enabling a driver to travel upon, enter, or exit a roadway in a safe manner.

(2) A person shall not remove, or cause to be removed, snow, ice, or slush onto or across a roadway or the shoulder of the roadway in a manner which obstructs the safety vision of the driver of a motor vehicle other than off-road vehicles. (3) A person shall not deposit, or cause to be deposited, snow, ice, or slush onto or across a roadway or the shoulder of the roadway in a manner which obstructs the safety vision of the driver of a motor vehicle. (4) A person shall not deposit, or cause to be deposited, snow, ice or slush on any roadway or highway.

I have been doing a tip each week for the Do 1 Thing program. The Niles Daily Star did an article on the program and I received an email about resources on emergency preparedness for older adults and people with disabilities. The Disability Network Southwest Michigan has an Emergency Preparedness section on our website. It offers free, disability-focused resources (in a variety of formats to meet everyone’s learning/information needs) about how to prepare for different kinds of emergencies.

Some examples include: resources for a professional or family member who wants to help someone make a plan, pictorial-based lists for a person with a disability who wants to make an emergency kit and needs pictures to understand what to have, considerations for someone who has mobility disability and needs to plan for an evacuation, or how to plan for the care of a service animal during an emergency.

Our vulnerable population cannot be forgotten during emergencies and should be included in our family or neighborhood plans.

Email questions and/or comments to TrooperRob53@yahoo.com