Forecasted weekend snow may create hazardous driving conditions in Northwest Wisconsin

December 7, 2012

WisDOT reminds motorists to practice safe winter driving and plan for potentially hazardous road conditions

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for most of Wisconsin’s northwestern counties beginning late Saturday night (December 8) into late Sunday evening (December 9). Hazardous travel can be expected in the watch area.

This is the first significant snowfall of the season and, combined with heavier than normal traffic due to shopping and travelers heading to the Packer game in Green Bay, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) reminds motorists to be prepared for the unexpected.

Travelers are encouraged to check winter road conditions before leaving home by calling 5-1-1 or visiting Wisconsin 511 online. Simply following a few simple driving habits could ensure that travelers will make it to their destination safely:

• Plan ahead
• Drive at a safe and legal speed for conditions (The 55 or 65 mph speed limit is a maximum speed for times when conditions are good/ideal, not for when roads are slippery and visibility is reduced.)
• Drive alert and sober
• Always wear seatbelts

Additional winter driving tips can be found on WisDOT’s Web site.

For more information, contact:
Wisconsin State Patrol Regional Post
(715) 839-3800

Communications Manager Chris Ouellette, WisDOT NW Region
(715) 828-9471, chris.ouellette@dot.wi.gov