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.
Stay Alert for Impaired and Distracted Drivers
The holiday season often involves parties, gatherings, and celebrations many of which include alcohol. Unfortunately, this also leads to a rise in drunk and drug-impaired driving accidents.
If you plan to drink, always arrange a sober ride home or use a rideshare service. If you see another vehicle weaving or drifting, increase your distance and call 911 when it’s safe to do so.
Distracted driving is another growing concern during the holidays. Avoid texting, adjusting GPS settings, or handling gifts and food while driving. A moment’s distraction on icy pavement can lead to a serious crash.
Protect Children and Passengers
When traveling with family, take extra care to ensure everyone is properly secured.
- Verify that child car seats are installed correctly and that children are buckled snugly over winter clothing.
- Make sure all adult passengers wear seat belts, even on short trips.
- Keep loose items such as gifts or luggage secured, as they can become dangerous projectiles in a crash.
Frequent breaks during long drives help prevent fatigue, especially for parents traveling late at night or early in the morning.
Be Cautious Around Snowplows and Emergency Vehicles
Snowplows work hard to keep Wisconsin roads safe, but they can create temporary hazards for nearby drivers. Maintain a safe distance of at least 200 feet behind plows and never attempt to pass them unless absolutely necessary.
If you encounter an emergency vehicle or crash site, move over or slow down significantly. Wisconsin’s Move Over Law requires drivers to give first responders room to work safely.
What to Do If You’re in a Winter Car Accident
Even with preparation, winter crashes can still happen. Knowing how to respond can help protect your rights and safety.
- Check for injuries and call 911 immediately.
- Move to safety if possible, away from traffic or deep snowbanks.
- Document the scene with photos of vehicles, road conditions, and weather.
- Exchange information with other drivers, including license numbers and insurance details.
- Notify your insurance company once you are safe, but avoid admitting fault.
If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence, contact a Wisconsin personal injury attorney to review your case before accepting any insurance settlement.
Understanding Liability in Winter Weather Crashes
Many drivers assume bad weather means no one is at fault for an accident, but that’s not always true. Negligence such as speeding, tailgating, or driving while impaired can still make a driver responsible, even in snow or ice.
In Wisconsin, liability is based on comparative negligence. That means you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51 percent at fault. If you are partially responsible, your damages may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Common Injuries from Holiday Season Crashes
Winter collisions often result in serious injuries due to slippery surfaces and reduced visibility. Common examples include:
- Whiplash and neck strain
- Broken bones or fractures
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries and concussions
- Lacerations from broken glass or airbags
Even minor crashes can cause delayed pain or symptoms that worsen over time. Always seek medical care after an accident and keep records of all treatment.
When to Call a Wisconsin Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one is hurt in a holiday-season crash, you don’t have to face the insurance process alone. At Lindner Law, LLC, our attorneys help accident victims across Wisconsin recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
We handle communication with insurers, gather evidence, and build a case that reflects the true impact of your injuries. Our goal is to help families move forward with financial security and peace of mind.
Stay Safe and Enjoy the Season
The team at Lindner Law, LLC wishes all Wisconsin families a safe and joyful holiday season. A little preparation and awareness go a long way toward preventing accidents and protecting your loved ones.
If you’ve been injured in a winter crash caused by another driver, contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you understand your rights and take the next step toward recovery.
