MSP urges motorists to stay off the roads

M-20 in Oceana County was closed this morning due to a crash that required Shelby Jaws of Life to rescue a victim trapped inside a vehicle.

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor.

HART — F/Lt. Jeff White, commander of the Hart post of the Michigan State Police, is urging motorists to stay off the roads today due to extremely dangerous driving conditions.

White-out conditions; single-digit temperatures; blowing snow; and extremely slick and snow-covered roadways are wreaking havoc.

Numerous accidents have been reported in Oceana County, including a head-on crash shortly after 8 a.m. on M-20 just east of Oceana Drive that resulted in the closure of M-20. Shelby Jaws of Life was called to the scene to rescue a person trapped inside a vehicle.

There was a report of a rollover accident on Oceana Drive near Cleveland Avenue at approximately 6:30 a.m.

More details about both crashes will be provided as they become available. White said he expects to have information about the M-20 crash later this afternoon.

Eleven school districts in the Mason/Oceana area were closed today: Ludington, Mason County Central, Mason County Eastern, West Shore ESD, Ludington Area Catholic, Covenant Christian, Walkerville, Hart, Shelby, Pentwater and Baldwin.

“I applaud the local schools for their foresight,” White said. “They made a good call.”

White said only those who absolutely have to be on the roads, should be today. Do not go out on the roads for “superfluous” reasons, he said, such as shopping, etc.  “It is a horrible time to be driving on the roads,” he said. The post commander said the dangerous weather is expected to continue the rest of the week, and residents should take precautions if they do have to drive.

Make sure your lights are on, he said. Check your automatic lights to ensure that they are on before heading out. Also, slow down and keep a safe traveling distance behind the vehicle in front of you. Make sure to have a full tank of gas in the event you are stranded as well as warm clothing, a fully-charged cell phone and other emergency supplies, such as food and water. Also, clear all snow off your vehicle before departing.