By Morgan Birman
Staff Writer
Most Michigan citizens have referred to the cold winter and icy roads as just a part of the “Michigan winters”, but the extreme temperatures we are currently experiencing in Plymouth-Canton and the metro Detroit area are not typical. Fox News reported that we are seeing some of the coldest air since 1999. Metro Detroit has also broken the January record for snow with 37.1 inches, exceeding the previous January record of 29.6 inches, set in 1978. The amount of snow emergencies has risen with Canton and Plymouth Township urging people to move their cars off the streets because of icy conditions.
Michigan State troopers handled over 1,500 complaints due to the weather this past weekend and answered over 130 accident calls, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Drivers have been advised to be prepared for any emergencies during the cold weather. This means keeping a pair of gloves, hat, scarves and winter boots in the car at all times in case you go off road or experience trouble starting the car. Keep spare jumper cables, flashlights, ice scrapers and tires in your car at all times. Highway drivers should also look into keeping a food and water kit in the back seat when driving on the highway in case of off-road emergencies. Travel experts recommend replacing your Antifreeze every two years, making sure that your radiator does not rust. It is also advised to frequently check tire pressure and oil amounts. Cars should be turned on and running a few minutes prior to actually driving them. Allow extra time to make it to your destination, and always wear a seatbelt. To avoid skidding, brake slowly and early when driving on icy or snowy roads. A safe distance of at least five seconds behind trucks plowing the road or other vehicles is advised. Lastly, maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season for emergency preparedness.
With the cold weather comes school closings. The Park has had five school day closings so far, exceeding the number of snows days we’ve had in the previous years. Plymouth-Canton school busses wouldn’t start, and it was deemed “too cold” for younger students to stand outside waiting at the bus stop. Park students have voiced a large amount of negative opinions about walking between schools on campus during the harsh weather conditions.
The Perspective 