First Dusting Of Snow In Southeast MI Causes Traffic Crashes

SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN — Police are reminding those driving in southeast Michigan to slow down after the region's first dusting of snow caused traffic crashes.

According to Michigan State Police troopers, two people were injured Tuesday morning when a woman lost control of her vehicle while driving on slick roads and hit a trooper's vehicle while the officer conducted a traffic stop.

The crash took place around 7 a.m. while the trooper was stopped on northbound Sashabaw Road, near I-75, troopers said. The woman, an 18-year-old from Pontiac, was driving south on Sashabaw when she lost control of the vehicle, crossed the center line and struck the patrol car head on, according to MSP.

The driver and her passenger had minor injuries and the trooper was not hurt, police said.

"Our first taste of winter and drivers are having trouble keeping it on the road," MSP said in a post on Twitter. "Today will be the first time we say it this winter and I’m sure I’ll repeat it over and over through the winter: Slow Down, wear your seatbelt and increase your following distance. That is all!"

State police posted a video on Twitter to show how quickly drivers can lose control of their vehicles on slick roads, putting those around them at risk.

Similar messages have been distributed by Troy police, where they told drivers to "take it slow."

"Today we issue our first 'on ice and snow, take it slow' message of the season. Do not hurt the messenger please," the department posted.

Several roads across the region were closed for parts of Tuesday morning due to crashes, slide-offs and other incidents related to the weather.