HOUGHTON — During this week’s three-day blizzard, at least 74 vehicular mishaps were recorded by local law enforcement agencies. That total includes property damage accidents (PDAs) disabled vehicles (including those stuck in snowbanks and having slid off the road), and vehicles that could not gain traction on ice.

However, weather alone cannot be blamed for the high number of vehicular crashes, PDAs and other mishaps, according to local law enforcement personnel.

Among all factors contributing to such vehicular mishaps are driver error, including obstructed vision and inadequate tires, driving too fast for conditions, and just plain driving when it wasn’t necessary.

Wayne Butler, Hancock police chief said his officers are seeing more and more instances of motorists driving with just enough of the windshield cleared to see forward ahead of the vehicle.

“Not only is this a hazard to the driver, it’s a hazard to the drivers around you,” Butler said. “It’s also against the law.”

Sgt. James Revoyr of the Michigan State Police Calumet Post said without having all windows cleared off, it’s the same as driving with tunnel vision.

“I’ve stopped people for that in the past,” he said. “You not only have to see where you are going, but you also have to see what’s coming at you, and what’s going on around you.”

“We’re seeing more and more that people have a scraped spot just large enough to see through, but it’s less than 5 percent of the windshield, which is a danger to the driver, and also to other motorists,” Butler said. “So, if they just take five or ten minutes extra to just scrape their windshields, headlights and tail lights and license plates. These are going to be their best means of avoiding accidents.”

Another issue, Trooper Matt Djerf of the state police said, is  drivers relying on all-season radial tires to do the job intended for snow tires. Revoyr agreed.

“Winter tires are definitely better,” he said. “Winter tires are softer and have more siping, which is more lines and (tread) that are meant to handle snow.”

Vehicles with front-wheel drive should not just rely on snow tires on the front of the vehicle, Djerf said. This can allow the rear of the vehicle to kick out, or slide sideways, because there is less traction on the rear than at the front.

Lt. Nick Roberts said that while winter tires and clear windows are a definite advantage, other factors are involved as well.

“Not brushing the car off, driving too fast for conditions, not keeping your vehicle properly maintained, inadequate tires — all these things are contributing factors,” Roberts said, “but sometimes it’s just a matter of people being out when they shouldn’t be.”

The above factors combined with ice pack on the roads, poor visibility, can combine to be too much for driving at all.

“You can have the best tires in the world, the best four-wheel drive, and you still might have an accident,” Roberts said.

There are simple steps that motorists can take to minimize the chance of an accident, however.

“The best way make sure you can see — and that other motorists can see you,” Butler said. “Make sure your windows are all clear. Make sure your car is completely cleared off, including the head lights and tail lights.”

Roberts advises paying attention to the road conditions, and what is going on.

“Pay attention. Stay focused. Don’t allow distractions,” Roberts said. “That includes not using a cell phone, or listening to the radio — just don’t allow any distractions while driving.”