WisDOT reminds drivers of safe driving tips ahead of winter weather

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – With winter approaching, officers are warning residents of harmful seasonal driving situations.

The Wisconsin Division of Transportation (WisDOT) is providing tricks to drivers forward of snow, sleet and ice this winter season. WisDOT reported greater than 15,000 crashes that killed 38 individuals in Wisconsin final winter.

Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan stated drivers ought to re-familiarize themselves with the way in which automobiles react to slippery situations.

“Acknowledge that you need to decelerate and permit extra time on your journeys irrespective of how far you journey. Be sure your automobile is ready to make it by the winter months,” Carnahan stated.

State legislation requires drivers to journey at speeds cheap for present situations. Posted velocity limits are set for clear and dry situations and could also be too excessive for slippery situations. Winter crashes are sometimes attributable to drivers going to quick in hazardous situations, WisDOT says.

When approaching a snowplow that’s clearing ice or snow, or laying salt or sand, state legislation requires drivers to remain at the very least 200 toes again on a freeway with a velocity restrict larger than 35 miles per hour. On roads with decrease velocity limits, drivers ought to keep at the very least 75 toes again.

Drivers ought to keep off the roads throughout extreme climate. The State Patrol recommends the next ideas for driving within the winter.

• Test 511wi.gov for highway situations or incidents alongside your route.
• Permit additional journey time and following distance whereas driving slower.
• Don’t be overconfident in four-wheel or all-wheel-drive automobiles, as all automobiles require extra time and distance to cease in slippery situations.
• Keep away from utilizing cruise management in winter situations.
• All the time put on your seatbelt, and chorus from utilizing your cellphone when behind the wheel.
• Have a totally charged cellphone and an emergency kit in your automobile.
• Keep bucked up in your automobile and name for assist if you happen to get stranded or slide off the highway.

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