Category Archives: Lifestyle

Risks of Driving during Snowy or Icy Conditions

Driving on snow or ice can be an incredibly challenging and risky experience, particularly for those who are not used to driving in winter conditions. Snow and ice can dramatically reduce the level of traction between your vehicle’s tires and the road surface, leading to skids, slides, and other dangerous situations that could result in accidents or collisions. Studies have shown that stoppage distance driving on snowy roads can be increased by as much or more than 10x normal dry conditions.

One of the primary risks of driving on snow or ice is the decreased ability to stop or slow down quickly. Snow and ice can create a slippery surface that makes it harder for your vehicle’s brakes to engage, and if you are traveling at a high speed, it can take much longer to come to a complete stop. This can be especially dangerous in situations where there is limited visibility due to snow or fog, as you may not be able to see potential hazards in time to react. Wind can blow snow across roadways, hampering general vision and ability to see roadways.

Another significant danger of driving on snow or ice is the increased likelihood of skids and slides. Even if you are traveling at a low speed, the lack of traction can cause your vehicle to slide or spin out of control if you turn too sharply or brake too suddenly. This can be particularly problematic if you are driving on a curved or winding road, as you may not be able to maintain control of your vehicle and could end up colliding with a tree, a ditch, or another vehicle.

In addition to these risks, driving on snow or ice can also increase the likelihood of getting stuck or stranded. If you are driving in a remote area and your vehicle becomes stuck in a snowbank or drift, it may be difficult or impossible to get help, especially if your cell phone is not working or you are in an area with limited traffic. In extreme cases, getting stranded in a winter storm can be life-threatening, as exposure to cold temperatures and wind can lead to hypothermia or frostbite.

To reduce the risks of driving on snow or ice, there are several steps you can take. First and foremost, it is essential to adjust your driving style to match the conditions. This means slowing down, giving yourself plenty of space to brake and turn, and avoiding sudden movements that could cause skids or slides. It is also crucial to make sure that your vehicle is equipped with appropriate winter tires or chains, as these can greatly improve traction on snowy or icy roads.

Another important precaution to take when driving in winter conditions is to prepare an emergency kit for your vehicle. This should include items like a shovel, ice scraper, blankets, and extra warm clothing, as well as food and water in case you get stranded. It’s also a good idea to make sure your cell phone is fully charged and that you have a car charger with you, as well as a flashlight and extra batteries in case you need to signal for help.

In conclusion, driving on snow or ice can be a dangerous and risky experience if you are not prepared for the conditions. By adjusting your driving style, equipping your vehicle with appropriate tires, and preparing an emergency kit, you can reduce the risks and enjoy a safe and stress-free winter driving experience. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and take things slow when the weather outside is frightful.

This Week in Michigan:

With Thanksgiving nearly upon us, here are a few quick reminders of fun to be had around the state this week!

Sports

Monday – Virginia Tech at Michigan State Men’s Basketball (5pm)
Wednesday – Michigan at Eastern Michigan Women’s Basketball (2pm)
Thursday – Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions (12:30pm)
Friday & Saturday – MHSAA Football State Finals at Ford Field
Saturday – Olivet College at Davenport Women’s Basketball (1pm)
Saturday – Ohio State at Michigan Football (12pm)

Family Events

All Week – Molecularium at UofM Dome Theater in Ann Arbor
All Week – Wonderland of Lights at the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing
All Week – Santa Gets a Pink Slip at Cornwell’s Turkeyville House in Marshall
Wednesday – Disney Junior Holiday Party in Detroit (6pm)
Friday & Saturday – The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays at Fox Theatre in Detroit

Entertainment

Tuesday – Ski Mask the Slump God LIVE at 20 Monroe Live in Grand Rapids (8pm)
Wednesday – Edgar Winter Band LIVE at The Crofoot in Pontiac (7pm)
Wednesday – Desert Hearts LIVE at Magic Stick 18+ in Detroit (9:30pm)
Friday – Battery: A Tribute to Metallica LIVE at the Fillmore in Detroit (7pm)
Sunday – Trans-Siberian Orchestra LIVE at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids (7:30pm)

Celtic Festival Comes to Sparta

If you are looking for fun this weekend or something unique for the family, look no further than this weekend’s Sparta Celtic Festival in Rogers Park. This marks the festival’s 10th Anniversary and is sure to be fun for people of all ages.

Events kick off tonight at 5pm for Founder’s Night with music by Lee Mulder, traditional Irish dance performances by Scoil Rince Ni Bhraonain, more live music by the Conklin Ceili Band and Hazard.

The fun begins again Saturday morning at 10am. The day will be jammed packed full of entertainment and fun with Mona Shores Fiddlers, Battle of the Clans, Doubles Cornhole Tournament, the Celtic Soccer Rebellion game, Scottish Heavy Events (Ancient Athletics), Leprechauns, Puppet shows and several more groups of Irish dancers and musical talent.

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat and lead you to this weekend’s Sparta Celtic Festival!

5 Tips for the Best Back to School

It’s almost that time of year again. The days get shorter. The temperatures get cooler. The kids grasp the last threads of summer freedom and parents gently nudge their grip loose. It is BACK TO SCHOOL!

Across Michigan, parents will be tearfully seeing their child off to the bus for the first time, loading shopping carts with various office supplies, and perhaps celebrating the trudge of their high schooler from bed and out the door at an hour they haven’t seen the past three months.

Regardless of which situation you find yourself in, the moment is nearly here and we have some tips for handling back to school in the most effective, efficient and value-friendly way possible.

Tip #1

Start your back to school at Meijer or similar chains. These stores will often have supply lists submitted by the school and can be picked up in advance of your actual back to school shopping day. Grab one in a trip for groceries and take it home in order to form your plan of attack. Resist the urge to start grabbing things on the list during that initial trip.

Tip #2

While it may seem advantageous to “get it done in one trip,” it is wise to break your list up and attack it based on categories. While many stores have back to school specials, the tried and true dollar store is an unbeatable deal for 90% of your student’s office supplies. Folders, pens, scissors, notebooks, calculators and other items can all be had in various styles & types for a fraction of what you will find at bigger box stores.

Tip #3

Check with the school office or even send a message to the school’s social media account to see if an open house is going to be available ahead of your student’s first day. This can be beneficial for first time students or students transitioning between grade levels or buildings. This is a great time where the students (and you) can familiarize themselves with the new environment, meet a teacher, see familiar faces and even make a couple new acquaintances with new ones.

Tip #4

It is certainly easier to shop for school clothes without your child present, but be aware that while we all like to think we are on the cutting edge of fashion, our student likely has a firmer grasp on the trends and styles that they would like to express in their clothing. Check with the school handbook to make sure articles are up to code, but aside from that, let their style be theirs. This will save you the time of having to return items and save them the embarrassment of looking like their parent dressed them.

Tip #5

Have fun! This is an exciting time of year for children and parents, alike. These days can be among the most fun memories your children will have from their school days. Relish the opportunity to spend some time with them and don’t be afraid to make a separate day of it with each child. Back to school can be an incredible opportunity to bond with your child, learn about apprehensions they might have and open up a dialogue that will be vitally important throughout the school year.