It is no secret that Michigan gets COLD. To prepare for the cold weather, there are many steps Michigan residents take:

• Wearing winter jackets
• Salting roads and walkways
• Putting winter tires on cars
• Setting the thermostat to a higher temp

In addition to normal winter preparations, there are also some precautions Michiganders take when it warms back up. Here are some of the effects of Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycle on our roads and how to be best prepared for warmer Spring weather:

Road and Infrastructure Damage

One of the most notorious effects of Michigan’s cold winters and warm summers is the freeze-thaw cycle. This cycle refers to the process in which water gets trapped in cracks during warm months and then freezes and expands in the winter. This has extremely detrimental effects on paved roads and is one of the main reasons our roads in Michigan are so badly riddled with potholes.

This phenomenon of water expanding and cracking surface pavement is not limited to just roadways. Sidewalks are also equally affected by this unfortunate process.

To stay safe, whether driving or walking, it’s vital that you pay close attention to the road or walkway ahead of you. By scanning for potential obstructions, you can buy yourself enough time to react and avoid disaster!

How to Prepare for Warmer Weather

To prepare for the inevitable Springtime warm up here in Michigan, there are a few precautions you can take:

Prepare your Vehicle(s): Switching from winter to all season tires is recommended to preserve the life of your winter tires as well as improve your ride quality on the ice-free roads.

Prepare your Property: Once the ice and snow have thawed and the sidewalk is visible once again, it is always a good idea to inspect the walkways and paved walking surfaces around your home. If there are any potentially hazardous cracks or holes, it’s a good idea to repair them ASAP.

Prepare your Wardrobe: People tend to be irritable when they are hot. They are more easily frustrated and tend to make more emotional decisions. There’s a reason heat is one of the most common symbols in literature. As it warms up outside, switch out your winter jackets for some more suitable mid layers and fleece jackets.

Prepare your Home Heating System: Turn down your thermostat! As it warms up, you can turn down (or turn off) your home’s heating system to:

• Save energy
• Save money
• Increase comfort

Prepare for Allergies: One final way to prepare for the coming of spring is to gear up for allergy season. With an increase in pollen in the air, Spring is often a hard time for those that deal with allergies.

To minimize the impact that allergies have on you, it’s a good idea to find an allergy medicine that works for you, take tests to find out what you are allergic to, and ultimately avoid what causes your allergies to flare up.

Get David Get Paid

Spring is a time of change. While the weather, trees, clocks, and animals are all going through change, so too are our roads and sidewalks. It is important to stay wary of potholes, cement cracks, and other potential hazards during this season.

If you experienced a slip and fall or auto accident because of Michigan’s beat up roads, you need an injury attorney you can count on. David Femminineo and his team are amongst the top tier of Michigan injury attorneys. You can rest assured that David will hold the guilty parties responsible and will secure you the compensation you deserve following your accident. Call us at 855-65CRASH today or visit our website at getdavidgetpaid.com.