Safe Winter Driving | Message from the WI DOT

Friday, October 30, 2015
WI DOT

Motorists need to follow common-sense precautions to meet the challenges of winter driving in Wisconsin.

No matter how many Wisconsin winters you've experienced, the inescapable onslaught of ice, snow and limited visibility will make driving extremely challenging and at times impossible.

When roads are slick with ice or snow, drivers needlessly crash or skid off the road because they were driving too fast for conditions.  "The posted speed limits, which are set for dry pavement, may be too fast for conditions when roads are snow covered and slippery.  The slogan Snow Means Slow also applies to four-wheel drive and other heavy-duty vehicles.  They usually need just as much distance to stop as other vehicles," says WI State Patrol Captain Jerry Voight of the WI State Patrol of the NW Region in Eau Claire.

A citation for driving too fast for conditions costs $213.10 with four demerit points assessed on the driver's record, and a second violation within a year costs $263.50 with four points.

Winter weather also can limit visibility, so drivers must remove all frost, ice and snow from their vehicle's windows.  "To see safely in all directions, you need to clear more than just a small patch on a windshield or rear window.  Clearing snow and ice from the lights, hood and roof also helps improve visibility and safety," Captain Voight says.

According to state law, a vehicle's windshield, side wings, and side and rear windows must be kept clear at all times.  Violating this law costs $175.30 with two demerit points, and a second violation within a year costs $213.10 with two points.

During severe winter storms, the safest course of action is to stay off roadways completely until conditions improve.  "Law enforcement officers frequently respond to vehicles in the ditch and chain-reaction crashes when motorists should not have attempted to travel.  Slowed or stalled traffic on slipper roads also delays tow trucks and snowplows, which are trying to get roads cleared, as well as emergency responders," Captain Voight says.

To minimize the dangers of winter driving, the State Patrol offers the following common-sense safety tips:

• Always wear your safety belt.  You and your passengers absolutely need this protection even in low-speed fender-bender crashes that frequently occur on slick roads.
• Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights - even the hood and roof >> before driving.
• Pay attention.  Don't try to out-drive the conditions.  Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.
• Leave plenty of room for stopping.
• Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows.  The law requires you to slow down or move over when approaching emergency or maintenance vehicles, including snowplows, parked on the side of the road when they have their flashing lights turned on.  If you approach a parked emergency or maintenance vehicle during a winter storm and decide to change lanes be extra careful.  The passing lane may be in worse shape than the driving lane.  There may also be a snow ridge between the two lanes.  Avoid making an abrupt lane change.  If approaching a snowplow, stay back at least 200 feet and don't pass on the right >> it's the law!
• Know the current road conditions.  Call 511 or log onto the winter road conditions report webpage.
• Use brakes carefully.  Brake early.  Brake correctly.  It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
• Watch for slippery bridge decks, even when the rest of the pavement is in good condition.  Bridge decks will ice up sooner than the adjacent pavement.
• Don't use your cruise control in wintry conditions.  Even roads that appear clear can have sudden slippery spots and the short touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control feature can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• Don't get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle.  Remember that your four-wheel drive vehicle may help you get going quicker than other vehicles but it won't help you stop any faster.  Many 4x4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop.  Don't get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle's traction.  Your 4x4 can lose traction as quickly as a two-wheel drive vehicle.
• Do not pump anti-lock brakes.  If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, do not pump brakes in attempting to stop.  The right way is to "stomp and steer!"
• Look farther ahead in traffic than you normally do.  Actions by cars and trucks will alert you quicker to problems and give you a split-second extra time to react safely.
• Remember that trucks are heavier than cars.  Trucks take longer to safely respond and come to a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
• Go slow!

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