Driving & Parking

• Always wear your seatbelt. It’s the law for the driver and all passengers.
• Keep your eyes on the road. Vehicles travel at a high rate of speed, and circumstances on the road can rapidly change; therefore, looking away even for a second could be the difference between causing a crash and avoiding one.
• Turn off your phone. In Michigan, reading or writing text messages while driving is illegal. Avoid civil infractions and possible crashes by shutting off your phone before entering the car.
• Turn down your music. If the volume is too high, you cannot hear sirens from emergency vehicles or honking from other drivers. These auditory cues keep you safe, so make sure you can listen to them.
• Do not multitask. Driving is the only thing you should do when you are behind the wheel. Otherwise, you are taking your attention off the road, signs, other drivers, pedestrians and stoplights. That puts you and everybody around you at risk. (This means not applying makeup, eating food, etc., while operating a vehicle.)
• Never drink and drive. Never operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol – it’s against the law. Both can impair your judgment, which could have deadly consequences for you, your passengers, other drivers and even pedestrians. It is never worth the risk.

• In addition to following the year-round guidelines, when driving in the winter, you should:
• Brush or scrape away all ice and snow, not just from your windows but also from your lights. Be sure to remove any snow from the roof or hood of your car. It’s the law.
• Drive with your headlights on. This will make it easier for other drivers to see you in bad weather.
• Drive for the conditions. If necessary, drive slower than the posted speed limit. (Remember, speed limits are for dry pavement.)
• Brake early. You may need more time and distance to stop.
• Increase the distance between you and other drivers. Like braking early, this reduces the chance of a crash by giving you more time to stop.
• Avoid slamming your brakes. Even if you have anti-lock brakes, your car may slide.
• Remember that bridges freeze before roads. Watch for ice when driving over it.
• Always check the weather before you start driving. If you feel uncomfortable driving in the forecasted conditions, seek out an alternative method of transportation.

The Logistics, Transportation & Parking Department at the University of Michigan has all the information you may need regarding parking on campus. Their page includes information about parking for students, faculty, staff, retirees, medical patients and visitors and information regarding parking violations, payments and appeals.

Here are links for parking safety information:

• General information about the parking system.
• Parking eligibility and available parking options for:
  • Faculty, Staff, Students and Retirees
  • U-M Departments
  • Patients and Patient Visitors
  • Visitors
• Parking options for oversized vehicles and recreational vehicles.

Parking lots and structures can feel scary, especially at night or when walking to your vehicle alone. The following tips can help mitigate the risks:

• Only park in lots or structures that are well-lit. If parking on the street, the same rule applies. Look for streets with ample lighting.
• Get your keys out before you reach your vehicle. That way, you do not have to stand there searching your purse, pockets, or bag; instead, you can immediately get into your car.
• Lock your doors and turn on your headlights. These should be the first things you do after entering your vehicle.

Report suspicious activity. If you ever feel unsafe on campus, contact DPSS at (734) 763-1131. If it is an emergency, call 911.