Drive, ride, and walk safely in Michigan.

Most crashes come down to a handful of avoidable habits. These three matter more than anything else you'll do behind the wheel.

• Keep a following distance of at least 3–4 seconds — more in rain, snow, or heavy traffic.
• Scan the road ahead, not just the car in front of you, so you have time to react.
• Assume other drivers might not see you, signal early, and never rely on someone else to yield.

• Put the phone down — texting, scrolling, or even holding a call can take your eyes off the road for critical seconds.
• Set your route, music, and climate controls before you start driving, not while you're moving.
• If you need to deal with something urgent, pull over safely first.

• Posted speed limits are for ideal conditions — slow down in rain, fog, snow, or heavy traffic.
• Higher speeds mean longer stopping distances and less time to react.
• Watch for reduced speed limits in work zones and school zones — they're enforced, and often with doubled fines.

Construction and maintenance crews work close to live traffic, often with little separation. A few seconds of inattention near a work zone can be deadly for a worker just doing their job.

• Slow down as soon as you see work zone signage, even if you don't see crews yet.
• Merge early when a lane closure is posted — don't wait until the last second.
• Watch for workers, equipment, and uneven pavement; conditions can change block to block.
• Expect delays and build in extra time rather than rushing through.

Michigan's Move Over law applies to any stopped vehicle with flashing lights — police, tow trucks, road crews, and emergency vehicles. If you see flashing lights ahead:

• Move over a lane if you can do so safely.
• If you can't change lanes, slow well below the posted limit as you pass.
• This applies on any road, not just freeways.

If you're not used to driving in snow and ice, Michigan winters take some adjustment. Slow down, give yourself more room, and plan ahead.

• Reduce your speed well before curves, exits, and intersections — braking on ice takes much longer than you'd expect.
• Avoid sudden braking or steering; ease off the gas and let your vehicle slow gradually.
• Bridges and overpasses freeze before the rest of the road — treat them with extra caution even when the pavement looks clear.
• Keep extra distance from snowplows; they throw snow and ice, and often move slower than traffic.

• Turn on your headlights any time visibility drops — it's often required by law, and it helps others see you too.
• Clear all snow and ice off your entire vehicle before driving, not just the windshield.
• Lake-effect snow can drop visibility to near zero in bands that move through fast. If you hit one, slow down and keep both hands on the wheel.

• Always stop for flashing lights or lowered gates — never drive around them.
• Never stop your vehicle on the tracks, even briefly; make sure there's room on the other side before crossing.
• Trains are closer and faster than they appear — if a train is approaching, do not try to beat it across.
• At crossings without gates or lights, stop, look both ways, and listen before crossing.

• Ride within your skill level, especially on unfamiliar roads.
• Increase following distance — motorcycles need more room to react and stop.
• Be extra visible: use your headlight, wear bright or reflective gear, and avoid riding in a driver's blind spot.

• Wear a DOT-compliant helmet, plus eye protection if your helmet doesn't have a shield.
• Sturdy jackets, gloves, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots help protect against road rash and impact.

If you're driving a car or truck, motorcycles are smaller and easier to miss — especially at intersections and when changing lanes.

• Check mirrors and blind spots twice before merging or turning.
• Give motorcycles a full lane — don't try to share a lane with a rider.
• Allow extra following distance; motorcycles can slow down faster than a car.

• Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks — stop and wait until they've fully crossed.
• Pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the road when possible, and never assume a driver has seen them.

• Wear light or reflective clothing, and carry a flashlight or use a phone light if you're walking along a road without sidewalks.
• Walk facing traffic if there's no sidewalk, so you can see and react to approaching vehicles.

• Slow down and watch for children in and around school zones, especially during arrival and dismissal times.
• Always stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, from either direction, unless separated by a median.

MDOT works to improve crossings for people using wheelchairs, walkers, or who are visually impaired — including curb ramps, audible pedestrian signals, and detectable warning surfaces at intersections.

Truck safety depends on more than just careful driving — proper cargo securement and regular inspections matter just as much.