As temperatures drop and holiday travel plans pick up across Wisconsin, drivers face icy and slippery roads. Black ice, snow-packed highways, and freezing rain can transform familiar routes into treacherous conditions. Many winter driving accidents are preventable when you know what precautions to take. These five essential safety tips will help you navigate Wisconsin’s harsh winter roads more safely and reduce the risk of dangerous collisions and personal injuries in Wisconsin.
#1: Reduce Your Speed and Increase Following Distance
When roads are slippery, reducing your speed is the single most important thing you can do to maintain control of your vehicle. Drive below the posted speed limit and resist the temptation to keep up with faster traffic.
Equally important is increasing your following distance. Aim for at least eight to ten seconds between you and the vehicle ahead. This extra space gives you more time to react and brake gradually if traffic slows or stops suddenly.
#2: Avoid Sudden Braking and Sharp Steering Movements
Slamming on your brakes or jerking the steering wheel can cause your vehicle to skid or spin out of control. Instead, practice smooth, gentle movements. Brake gradually and early when approaching stops or turns. Similarly, make steering adjustments slowly and deliberately. Aggressive lane changes or sharp turns can break your tires’ grip on the road surface, leading to a loss of control.
#3: Keep Your Vehicle Winter-Ready with Proper Maintenance
Your vehicle needs special attention during the winter months. Before traveling on slippery or icy roads, make sure to:
Check your tires and ensure they are properly inflated and have adequate tread depth
Test your battery, as cold weather reduces efficiency and can leave you stranded
Replace worn wiper blades and replace washer fluid with a winter-grade solution
Pack an emergency kit with blankets, a flashlight, jumper cables, and snacks
#4: Know How to Handle Skids and Loss of Traction
Even careful drivers can hit a patch of ice and start to skid. If your vehicle loses traction, resist the urge to panic or overcorrect. Do not slam on the brakes, as this can make the skid worse. Instead, ease off the accelerator and allow your vehicle to slow naturally. Then, steer gently in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go this is called “steering into the skid.” If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS), you can apply firm, steady brake pressure, and the system will prevent wheel lockup.
#5: Stay Informed About Road Conditions Before You Travel
Before heading out, check current road conditions, weather forecasts, and traffic reports. If conditions are particularly severe, consider postponing non-essential travel. When you must drive, plan your route to stick to main roads that are more likely to be plowed and salted. Let someone know your planned route and expected arrival time. Pay attention to road condition signs and warnings from local authorities, and don’t hesitate to pull over safely if conditions become too dangerous to continue.
Were You Injured in a Winter Weather Accident?
Even when you follow every safety precaution, winter driving accidents can still happen often due to another driver’s negligence, inadequate road maintenance, or hazardous conditions. If you’ve been injured in a winter weather crash that wasn’t your fault, a Wisconsin car accident lawyer can help you seek justice.
An attorney can investigate the circumstances of your accident, determine who was liable, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us and schedule a free consultation today to discuss your legal options and protect your right to recovery at (262) 262-8415.