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Winter Driving
Winter Driving Facts
 Typically there are around 25,000 vehicle accidents in Wisconsin during winter months when roads are covered with ice, snow or slush.
- On average in Wisconsin, about 70 people are killed and 7,500 people are injured each winter season in accidents when roads are ice, snow or slush covered.
- Many crashes are caused by “driving too fast for current conditions.” Also when the first blast of winter arrives, motorists often need to “re-learn” how to drive in slippery conditions.
- Heavy rains and snowmelt in late winter or early spring can result in flooded roads. Turn Around—Don’t Drown!
Plan your travels and check the latest weather reports to avoid a winter storm. You can find out the latest road conditions by visiting the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Travel Information Website or by calling 511.
It is also important to check and winterize your vehicles before the winter season begins.
Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Make sure your car’s battery is in good shape – cold temperatures can reduce the effectiveness of a battery by 50 percent.
If expecting adverse weather during your trip, tell someone at both ends of your journey where you are going and the route you intend to take. Report your safe arrival. Make certain that both parties have your cell phone number and license plate number before you start your trip.
Be gentle with both the accelerator and brake. If the rear of your car begins to slide on snow or ice, turn into the direction of the skid. Expect a second skid as the car straightens out, and be prepared to counter this sliding action.
Carry a winter storm survival kit in the back seat of your vehicle (in case your trunk jams or is frozen shut) that includes:
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Flashight with extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Shovel, tools, booster cables and windshiedld scraper
- High-calorie non-perishable food (raisins, candy bars, energy/protein bars , etc.)
- Sand or cat litter to use for traction
- Cell phone adapter
Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged before venturing out!
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Safety First - Stay Informed
The National Weather Service (NWS) issues storm warning and watches. Here’s what they mean and what you should do.
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Winter Storm Watch |
Winter storm conditions (heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain) are possible within the next 36-48 hours. Continue monitoring the weather forecast. |
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Winter Storm,
Ice Storm,
Heavy Snow, or Heavy Sleet Warning |
A significant winter event is occurring or will begin in the next 24 hours. Take necessary precautions—consider canceling travel plans. |
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Blizzard Warning |
Winds that are 35 mph or greater, blowing snow with reduced visibility to 1/4 mile or less for a duration of at least 3 hours. |
What is possible? Residents can expect almost anything - ranging from killer dense fog and flooding rains to widespread heavy snows and blizzards that can isolate a village/city for days. The only month without a tornado in Wisconsin is February! Be ready!
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Keep Warm and Safe
Frostbite is damage to body tissue caused by extreme cold. A wind chill of –20˚ Fahrenheit (F) could cause frostbite in just 15 minutes or less. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear tips or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected—Seek medical care IMMEDIATELY!
Hypothermia is a condition that develops when the body temperature drops below 95˚F. It is very deadly. Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, disorientation, slurred speech and drowsiness. Seek medical care IMMEDIATELY!
Overexertion is dangerous. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make an existing medical condition worse.
Pets also need extra care when the temperatures fall. They should be brought inside when the temperature reaches 30˚ with wind chill. Dogs and cats can get frost bitten ears, nose and feet if left outside during bitter cold weather. Chemicals used to melt snow and ice can also irritate pets’ paws and be sure to keep anti-freeze, salt and other poisons away from pets as well.
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Plan ahead - Be Prepared
Some of the dangers associated with winter storms include loss of heat, power and telephone service and a shortage of supplies. To help protect your family now is thetime to put together a disaster supply kit. Here are some items to include:
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and a commercial radio
- Non-perishable food that requires no cooking and bottled water
- First-aid supplies
- Fire extinguisher, smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector
- If appropriate, extra medications and baby items
- If you have an emergency heating source, such as a fireplace or space heater -- make sure you have proper ventilation
- Make sure pets have plenty of food, water and shelter
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More Information
For additional information, contact:
- Rock County Emergency Management (608) 758-8440
- Wisconsin Emergency Management (608) 242-3232
Winter safety tips along with developing your own personal preparedness plan and an emergency kit can also be found at the following websites:
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