The holidays are a time for family gatherings, winter traditions, and long-awaited celebrations. But they’re also one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. Between icy highways, heavier traffic, and distracted or impaired drivers, Wisconsin roads become riskier as temperatures drop and holiday travel picks up.
Each year, hundreds of crashes occur across the state in December due to snow, reduced visibility, and fatigue from long drives. Whether you’re heading across town or driving several hours to visit relatives, taking precautions can make all the difference.
At Lindner Law, LLC, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating winter collisions can be. Below, we share key safety tips for staying alert, avoiding accidents, and protecting your loved ones this holiday season.
Prepare Your Vehicle Before You Travel
Before starting any winter trip, take time to ensure your vehicle is ready for cold-weather conditions. Even short drives can become dangerous if your car isn’t properly maintained.
Inspect your tires:
Tires lose air pressure in colder temperatures, which affects traction. Check that your tire pressure matches the manufacturer’s recommendation and consider switching to winter tires for improved grip on snow and ice.
Check your battery:
Car batteries lose power more quickly in freezing temperatures. If your battery is more than three years old, have it tested before any long trips.
Fill up on fluids:
Top off your antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, and oil. Make sure your wipers are in good condition and your defroster works properly.
Pack an emergency kit:
Include items such as a blanket, flashlight, first-aid supplies, nonperishable snacks, jumper cables, and a small shovel. A bag of sand or cat litter can also help if your tires get stuck on ice.
Plan Your Route and Check Conditions
Wisconsin’s weather can change rapidly, especially in northern and central parts of the state. Before you leave, review your travel route using the Wisconsin 511 road conditions website or a local news app.
Allow extra time for your trip and plan alternate routes in case of road closures or accidents. If conditions are especially poor, consider delaying your departure until plows and salt trucks have treated major highways.
When driving in rural or less-traveled areas, make sure your phone is fully charged and that someone knows your route and expected arrival time.
Drive Cautiously on Snow and Ice
Even experienced Wisconsin drivers can underestimate how slick winter roads can be. Following a few basic rules can help prevent accidents:
- Reduce your speed. Drive slower than usual, especially on bridges, ramps, and intersections where ice forms first.
- Increase your following distance. Leave at least six seconds between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.
- Brake gently. Sudden braking can cause your tires to lose traction. If your car starts to skid, steer in the direction you want to go.
- Avoid using cruise control. It can make it harder to react quickly if your tires lose grip.
Remember that four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles still need extra stopping distance on icy roads.