Truck Snow PlowingWinter Road Safety

During winter storms, the Bay County Road Commission works to keep county roads safe and passable by:

  • Plowing snow and ice

  • Applying salt and other deicing materials

  • Clearing accumulated snow from roadways

Residents can help crews work safely and efficiently by following these winter-safety guidelines.

Children and Young Adults

  • Stay away from roads while snowplows are operating.

  • Do not play or build snow forts near the roadway or in roadside ditches.

  • Never throw snowballs at vehicles or snowplows.

  • Remain visible and watch for equipment backing up or changing direction.

Motorists

  • Slow down and allow additional stopping distance.

  • Remain a safe distance behind snowplows.

  • Avoid passing a snowplow unless it is safe and legal to do so.

  • Never drive through a snow cloud created by a plow.

  • Use extra caution near intersections, hills, curves, and drifting snow.

Property Owners

  • Move vehicles away from the roadside before snow-removal operations begin.

  • Do not push, blow, or deposit snow onto or across a roadway. This is prohibited by Michigan law.

  • Avoid creating tall snowbanks near intersections and driveways that may block a driver’s view.

  • Keep rocks, landscaping timbers, garbage containers, and other objects away from the roadway.

  • Make sure mailboxes and posts are properly installed and able to withstand normal winter conditions.

Report a Winter Road Issue

For nonemergency concerns involving county roads, snow removal, damaged signs, or other maintenance issues, call:

Bay County Road Commission Maintenance
Phone: (989) 684-1010

You may also submit a concern through Citizen Connect.

Call 911 only when a condition presents an immediate emergency or danger to the public.

Winter Safety Presentations

Winter-safety presentations are available for schools and community groups. For more information, call the Bay County Road Commission at (989) 686-4610.