Sheriff Bouchard wants to remind drivers that winter driving can be safe with planning and extra caution. If you find yourself driving in the snow and/or ice, stay alert, slow down and stay in control. These are the three key elements to safe winter driving.
Here are a few other tips for driving in the snow or ice:
• If you think you may be heading into snow or there is a possibility of driving in the snow, make sure you do a maintenance check on your vehicle before making the trip. Check the vehicle battery, belts and hoses, anti-freeze, oil, lights, brakes, heater and defroster and check the exhaust system for leaks which may allow carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle.
• Plan your route ahead of time and give yourself extra travel time. Make sure someone knows your travel plans.
• Wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict your movement while at the wheel. Keep warm clothing available for when you exit the vehicle.
• Always clear any snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors and the roof before driving. After starting the vehicle wait for the interior windows to clear of fog so you will have appropriate visibility.
• Make sure there is sufficient windshield washer fluid in the vehicle reservoir and that it is rated for freezing temperatures.
• It takes longer to stop on slippery surfaces, so add additional time to the three-second rule.
• Know the proper handling procedures for a skidding vehicle.
• Slow down in snow and icy conditions, make turns slowly, and make all starts slow and smooth.
• Remember that bridges and overpasses may freeze before the regular travel lanes of a roadway. Watch out for black ice, areas of the roadway that appear black and shiny and where your vehicle can suddenly lose traction. Slow down in these areas and keep your foot off the brakes.
• If you get stuck or stranded, don’t panic. Stay with your vehicle for safety and warmth. Wait for help to arrive. If you have a cell phone and are in an area with cell phone service, try calling for help. Try to always know your exact locations while driving.
• Keep your clothing dry. Wet clothing can lead to dangerous loss of body heat.
HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Theft) is Michigan's statewide auto theft prevention program that coordinates citizen action with law enforcement agencies through a confidential toll-free tip line for reporting information on stolen vehicles, chop shops, and suspected auto theft activities including insurance fraud, identity theft and carjackings. Call 1-800-242-HEAT 24 hours a day to report auto theft!
You can help solve serious crimes. If you have information about a crime you want to share anonymously, call Crime Stoppers of Southeast Michigan at 1-800-SPEAK UP.
Oakland County Sheriff's Office CRIME TIPLINE is another way you can share information to help solve crimes. If you have information about any crime in Oakland County, please call 1-888-TURN-1-IN OR 1-888-887-6146.
Operation Medicine Cabinet Now Has Eighteen Locations Throughout Oakland County- More Locations To Be Added Soon
Operation Medicine Cabinet ™ (OMC), an outstanding prescription drug take back program which provides citizens a means to properly dispose of their expired and/or unused prescriptions NO QUESTIONS ASKED, now has eighteen drop-off locations around Oakland County. Operation Medicine Cabinet™ illustrates our commitment to keeping all of our citizens safer, protecting our young people, and other unauthorized users from the harmful misuse of prescription drugs, understanding the needs of seniors, and the environmental implications related to improper disposal of medications.
Telephone Solicitation Warning:
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office is a professional police organization that properly equips its deputies using funds from the County budget. The Sheriff's Office does not do any telephone soliciting of any kind, nor do we endorse the fundraising efforts of any organization claiming to be affiliated with the Sheriff’s Office. For more information, click here.
Avoiding Home Improvement Scams - Each Spring scam artists prey on unsuspecting home owners sometimes costing them thousands of dollars. Sheriff Bouchard tells us how we can avoid becoming a victim of home improvement scams. (podcast)
Protecting Your Child Against Internet Crimes - Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard talks about internet safety and how to protect your children against online predators. (podcast)
Help Keep Young Drivers Safe - Sheriff Michael Bouchard talks about the STOPPED Program and how parents can get involved in this parental notification program to promote safe driving. (podcast)
Spotlight ON: The RESULTS Program - The Oakland County Sheriff's Office is now providing professional and courteous drug and alcohol testing and the most accurate and reliable test results to our clients, agents, courts, and the general public. Parents, referring agents, and court-ordered clients are all eligible for quick, accurate, convenient RESULTS!
Senior Safety - Listen as Sheriff Bouchard talks about ways you can protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming a scam victim. (podcast) Protecting Yourself from Law Enforcement Impersonators- Sheriff Bouchard is warning citizens to beware of con artists trying to pose as a law enforcement official to gain access to personal information and property.
Oakland County Sheriff's Office Emergency Handbook -If you haven't already done so, please take a moment to sit down with your family and create your plan. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office has available an Emergency Handbook (PDF file size 596k) which will help you in becoming more informed and more prepared. Included are guidelines which will assist you in making your plan, and also local resources you may access in the event of an emergency.
Contact Info
Oakland County Sheriff's Office
1200 North Telegraph Road Building 38E
Pontiac, Michigan, USA, 48341-1044
Action News 7 News Story- September 13, 2011
Spotlight ON: The 