Muskego Police Remind Motorists of Winter Driving Tips, Hazards

Although the official start of winter this year is not until December 22, and Muskego has so far missed out on any major snowstorms, we'll likely be seeing  the usual onslaught of ice, snow, and limited visibility that makes driving difficult—if not impossible—at times.  To survive treacherous winter driving conditions, the is reminding motorists to be patient and follow common-sense precautions.

"When there’s ice or snow, many motorists skid off the road or crash because they were driving too fast for conditions.  The posted speed limits are for dry pavement, and those speeds may be hazardous when roads are slick," cautioned Lt. Dave Constantineau.  "The slogan ‘Snow Means Slow’ also applies to four-wheel drive and other heavy duty vehicles, which need ample distance for stopping on slippery roads, just like other vehicles."

He reiterated winter weather also limits visibility, so drivers must remove all frost, ice and snow from their vehicle’s windows.  You must be able to see in all directions at all times to avoid crashes.  Clearing only a small patch on a windshield or rear window is not sufficient.  Clearing snow and ice from the lights, hood and roof also helps improve visibility and safety.

"According to state law, a vehicle’s windshield, side wings, and side and rear windows must be kept clear at all times," Constantineau said. "During severe winter storms, the wisest decision often is to stay put and not drive.  Our officers frequently respond to vehicles in the ditch and chain-reaction crashes when there was no real need for the drivers to be on the road at all.  Slowed or stalled traffic on slippery roads also delays snowplows and tow trucks that are trying to get the roads cleared."

To minimize the dangers of winter driving, the Wisconsin State Patrol offers the following safety tips:

• Always wear your seat belt, even if traveling a short distance.  You and your passengers absolutely need this protection even in low speed “fender-bender” collisions.  Don’t use your cruise control in wintry conditions.  Even on roads that appear clear, there may be slippery spots, which can cause a loss of traction and a spinout if the vehicle is in the cruise-control mode.
• Watch for slippery bridge decks.  They ice up quicker than adjacent pavement.
• Look farther ahead than you normally do.  Loss of traction and other actions by vehicles ahead of you will alert you sooner to upcoming slippery spots and other hazards.
• Brake early and correctly.  It takes much longer to stop in adverse conditions.
• Don’t pump anti-lock brakes.  With anti-lock brakes, the correct braking method is to “stomp and steer.”
• Don’t be overconfident about the traction and stopping distance of four-wheel drive vehicles, which generally won’t grip an icy road any better than two-wheel drive vehicles.
• Avoid cutting in front of trucks, which take longer than automobiles to slow down or stop.
• Leave plenty of room for snowplows.  By law, you must stay back at least 200 feet from the rear of a snowplow.