Winter Driving Tips - Bye, Goff & Rohde

Winters in Wisconsin and Minnesota can be tricky. Slippery conditions arrive just in time for the rush of the holiday shopping and travel season. Don’t find yourself unprepared. It’s time to brush up on your winter driving safety tips.

Driving Tips for Winter Road Conditions

AAA recommends a number of safe-driving tips for winter conditions, including:

Remove all ice and snow from your vehicle before you start driving.
To defrost your windows, set the temperature control to hot and let the engine warm up, which helps keep frost from forming inside. If the windshield and side windows fog on the inside, open a window slightly and set the fan to a higher speed.
During snow or other low-visibility winter driving conditions, drive with your low-beam headlights on to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
Brake, accelerate, and steer gently, gradually, and smoothly.
If you encounter a snowplow or salt truck, allow plenty of space, and don’t try to pass.
Clean your headlight lenses when you stop for gas to remove grime from slushy streets. Clear any snow and ice from your vehicle as well, as it can fly off and strike other vehicles.
Obey the Basic Speed Law any time there’s a possibility of icy roads. This means never traveling at speeds that aren’t reasonable and safe for conditions. It’s important to reduce speed because you may encounter patches of black ice that are difficult or impossible to see. Bridges, ramps, overpasses, and shaded areas may become icy before other surfaces. Be cautious at intersections, where stopping and starting vehicles can polish the ice, making it slicker.
Wind gusts can make steering on the ice more difficult, so it’s critical to reduce speed during windy conditions. Be aware that buildings can cause sudden changes in wind direction.

AAA’s full list of tips is available online: https://www.aaa.com/tripcanvas/article/aaas-tips-for-safe-winter-driving-CM75

Bye, Goff & Rohde is Here to Help

We hope these tips help you stay safe on Wisconsin and Minnesota roads this winter. If you or a loved one are injured in a winter driving accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation.

The award-winning personal injury law firm of Bye, Goff & Rohde is a team of experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyers that will get you the results you deserve.