Snow and ice can instantly make the roads a dangerous place to be. In one crash the Wisconsin Department of Transportation recorded, a man was traveling on Interstate 41 when he went up a snowbank and over the edge of a ramp barrier wall. His vehicle plunged 70 feet to the highway below, I-94. Somehow, he was not seriously injured.
This is just one example of snow causing an extremely dangerous crash. In another recent case, an elderly man was critically injured when he could not stop his vehicle and collided with a city snowplow in Milwaukee.
What these crashes show is that snow and ice can even put normally safe drivers in danger. There are steps you can take to prevent slipping and sliding, however, including these two:
1. Get winter tires as soon as possible
If you’re living in Wisconsin, then you should know the importance of good winter tires. They’ll give you better grip and control, so you can avoid sliding or being unable to stop.
2. Add some tire chains
Every state has different tire chain laws, but in Wisconsin, using tire chains of reasonable proportions is legal when they are needed for safety on ice, in the snow or because of other slick conditions. Tire chains give your vehicle more grip, and they handle deep snow or mud better than winter tires. They are also able to give your tires better purchase on the road when there is black ice or icy patches on the roads.
Winter weather is a risk, and it can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Getting the right tires or chains could help you stay on the road and avoid collisions. If you do end up in a wreck with a driver that is unprepared, make sure you learn more about your right to compensation for your losses.
