It’s no secret that driving speed needs to be reduced in winter weather on slippery, snowy roads.

But when driving becomes too dangerous, schools often cancel classes for a day.

With several inches of snow on the ground, icy roads and temperatures only a snowman can withstand, school closures are inevitable during wintry weather.

There were few weather-related school closures last year because there wasn’t much snowfall in Michigan and temperatures were unusually mild.

This year it’s a different story, the kids have already had a taste of snow days and there’s no looking back as a storm is expected tomorrow.

We contacted several principals today but have not received a response.

But here are the general criteria for snow days, they vary from county to county.

During extremely low wind temperatures, students waiting at bus stops can suffer frostbite, so classes are often canceled when wind temperatures fall below -25°C.

Excessive snow and ice, it’s pretty obvious, commutes can become dangerous on slippery, snowy roads.

Due to the closure of neighboring schools, many parents have children in multiple schools, so this will also be taken into account when deciding to close for the day.

If traveling to work is considered unsafe due to the weather, it’s best to check your school’s website or the 9 and 10 News to stay up to date on possible school closures.

However, if school is open in snowy weather, there are a few things to consider besides reducing speed.

Local road authorities monitor the weather around the clock to keep track of icy roads.

But here’s something you may not know; In July, Gov. Whitmer signed a bill requiring drivers to keep their distance from snowplows or face a fine.

“There’s a new law and it says they have to stay at least 200 feet away when they’re driving behind the plow so the plow can clear the road. They are out there for a reason. They’re out there because there’s snow, ice or whatever to deal with. And they need space to do their work,” said Karl Hanson, engineer for the Wexford County Road Commission.

The law also states that all drivers entering an intersection or area where a snow plow is stopped must maintain a distance of at least 20 feet.

While accidents between cars and snow plows are rare, cars are at greater risk because snow plows weigh between 60 and 80,00 pounds.