Safety is a top concern when storms like today’s impact the area. The Wisconsin DOT, for one, is urging motorists to take no chances, for safety’s sake.
The DOT’s Wisconsin 511 website (511wi.gov) provides up-to-date road conditions and views of traffic webcams that can be checked in order to, as they put it, “know before you go”; that is, if you absolutely must be on the road in the first place. So, before you go, clear snow and ice from the vehicle. Plan to travel slow, not just slow-er, so add some travel time and increase your following distance. Be careful on bridges, overpasses and ramps that are often slipperier than the rest of the road. Don’t use cruise control – that can start you sliding under snowy conditions, and if you have a four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicle, don’t get over-confident. You might be better getting up to speed and holding the road, but your stopping distance will be just like everyone else. You should also keep the tank at least half-full to avoid frozen fuel lines if you’re stranded, and make sure your battery is in good condition.
If you find yourself behind a snow plow working on the nearly 115,000 miles of Wisconsin roads, stay back at least 200 feet when traveling 35 mph or above, although 75 feet is OK at lower speeds. And if you plan to pass a plow, keep in mind that conditions are probably worse in front, than in back of it.
Finally, if you crash or slide off the road, stay in your vehicle, turn on the hazard lights, call 911 and, if possible, move the vehicle out of traffic.
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