Slow down, belt up, during winter driving

Now is the time of year where roads get slippery and tempers get shorter. This winter, we would like to remind our readers to keep their heads on straight when driving.

Ice and snow-covered roads can cause traffic to move slowly, especially on two-lane roads such as Highways 13, 153 or 97. These roads aren’t always conducive to passing and when the roads have precipitation on them, the windows to make passes become shorter. Patience while traveling will help you and the person in front or behind you get safely to your destination while driving in less-than-ideal conditions.

Take extra time for travel and be patient while on the roads this and every winter. Staying prepared for longer drive times and potential accidents can be extremely beneficial.

During snowstorms or wintry mix storms, wreckers and emergency personnel can be easily overloaded with calls to accidents. Keeping a blanket or other emergency supplies in your vehicle will help if you were to slide off the road.

Marathon County had the 12th highest average of crashes on its roadways from 2015-19 according to the Wisconsin DOT. The counties that had more than Marathon had vastly larger populations with more opportunities for crashes. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has these tips to stay safe while driving during winter:

n Snow means slow. Allow extra travel time, following distance, and reduce your speed during winter conditions.

n Be cautious on bridges, overpasses, and entrance and exit ramps.

n Don’t be overconfident in four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicles. All vehicles require additional time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.

n Avoid using cruise control in winter conditions.

n Buckle up and put your phone down while driving. Every trip, every time.

n Leave room for maintenance vehicles and snowplows. Move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles.

n Stay at least 200 feet behind a working snowplow. Make sure that you can see the plow’s mirrors to ensure the driver can see you.

n In case of a crash or slide off, stay in the vehicle, turn on the hazards, call 911 and move vehicle(s) out of traffic if possible.

Working together as commuters, truckers, bus drivers, law enforcement and whoever else might be using the roads this winter, we can all stay safe on Wisconsin roads.

The Tribune-Phonograph editorial board consists of publisher Kris O’Leary, editor Neal Hogden and reporter Nathaniel Underwood.