Winter Auto Safety Tips
West Grand Neighborhood Organization
By Shirley Klemmer, ATPA Program Coordinator
Plan and Protect your car this season!
With winter rapidly approaching, it’s time to think about getting our vehicles and our mindsets prepared for snow and slick road conditions. First, pack your car with items that may be essential for survival due to road conditions. In addition to your trusty snow scraper, it’s helpful to pack your car with a bag of salt or sand, a small portable shovel, and flares or portable hazard lights. A blanket, extra hats and gloves and food snacks and water can be lifesavers in the event that winter conditions cause you to be temporarily stranded.
Secondly, make sure your automobile is road worthy by checking your tires and brakes and making sure your lights and wipers are functioning properly. Reduce your speed in slick weather and leave plenty of distance when following other vehicles so you have time to react if faced with a sudden road incident.
Warming up your car on cold days with the keys in it is not advisable. It only takes a minute to access your empty vehicle and drive away. According to the Grand Rapids Police Department, 90% of stolen vehicles are those which are running with keys in the ignition. The best way to prevent winter auto thefts is to start your car and remain in it. Suffering a few minutes of discomfort in the cold is much better than having your vehicle disappear while you were keeping warm inside.
Keep in mind that the Grand Rapids Even/Odd street parking ordinance runs November 1 through April 1. On an odd date between 1:00 am and 6:00 pm, parking is prohibited on the even numbered side of the street. On an even date between 1:00 am and 6:00 pm, parking is prohibited on the odd numbered side of the street. Please pay careful attention to this to prevent getting a ticket and for safety and street plowing concerns. Many of our side streets are a problem in deep snow and it is critical for police and fire departments to be able to respond to emergencies in our neighborhoods. Below is a link to additional seasonal parking information, including a map of roads that are affected:
City of Grand Rapids - Winter Parking Rules Begin on November 1
For further information or questions regarding vehicle theft prevention call West Grand Neighborhood Organization at 616-451-0150 or e-mail the West Grand Neighborhood Organization ATPA Program Coordinator at ATPA@westgrand.org
Funds for this program are provided by the Michigan Auto Theft Prevention Authority.