Every year, the Midwest attracts hundreds of millions of domestic tourists. While the region is popular with travelers, it can be hard to navigate the roads in the winter months if you’ve never experienced it before. It takes more than just a good set of tires, after all.
Rainstorms pose a great danger to inexperienced and unaware drivers, and storms can suddenly pop up at any time, anywhere. Many out-of-state drivers are often caught off guard by the rapidly changing conditions in this area.
Winter hazards can be avoided by getting to know the local streets. Be prepared to handle hidden ice patches and a tough municipal parking ticket.
Expect Sudden Lake Effect Snow
Lake effect snow from the Great Lakes can make it hard to see a thing within minutes. The cold Arctic air that moves over the comparatively warmer Great Lakes creates a localized area of intense snowfall.
Motorists often experience perfectly fine weather, only to find themselves in a whiteout in a matter of miles. Don’t slam on your brakes if you’re caught up in one of those heavy bands! Keep your speed even, lengthen your following distance by a considerable amount, and look at the lane markings ahead.
Learn To Spot Black Ice
Black ice appears to be an innocent puddle, but it is one of the most deceptive hazards on winter roads. A transparent coating develops within a day or two if the ambient air temperature is around freezing on bridges, etc.
Each year, thousands of collisions caused by icy conditions happen nationwide, often due to a sudden loss of traction; consequently, the number of non-fatal injuries increase significantly when it snows. If your vehicle feels quieter than usual or your steering feels light, you may have hit ice. Hold the steering wheel straight and take your foot off the accelerator until the wheels regain grip with the road.
Memorize Local Parking Rules
Cities in the area have robust regulations to keep streets open for plows. If you break these rules, you will incur a hefty fine or have your vehicle impounded by the local pound.
In large metropolitan areas, different rules apply according to the number of inches that fell. For instance, during large-scale snowfalls, check the Milwaukee snow emergency parking rules, so your vehicle is not ticketed or towed. Certain sides of many streets have been banned from parking to allow emergency vehicles and snowplows sufficient room to clear the driving lane.
Prepare Your Emergency Contacts
When there is severe frost, even the most careful drivers may have mechanical failures or light knocks. Before you go on your trip, save the emergency numbers locally on your phone.
If you get involved in a fender bender because of slick road surfaces, knowing who to call makes a huge difference. When a personal injury occurs unexpectedly while on the road, it is important to consult an experienced car accident lawyer in Milwaukee to clarify various laws and insurance requirements. If you have the numbers on hand, you will not be scrambling for information standing by the shoulder of a cold highway.
Pack A Winter Survival Kit
You should never rely solely on your vehicle’s heater to keep you warm during a prolonged breakdown. Remote stretches of highway can have limited cell service, meaning help might take hours to arrive.
Before heading out, ensure your trunk contains essential supplies to keep you safe while waiting for a tow truck. Your vehicle should always be equipped with a few basic safety items:
- A heavy wool blanket or sleeping bag for every passenger
- A bag of sand or kitty litter to provide instant tire traction
- A durable ice scraper accompanied by a small snow shovel
Inspect Tires and Batteries Before Departing
Draining your car battery quickly, low temperatures will also lower your tire pressure. A battery that performs well in light autumnal weather can fail completely under negative zero conditions.
Check your tire tread depth to make sure your vehicle can successfully channel slush away from the rubber and replace worn tires if necessary. Individuals who rent automobiles should verify that the vehicle is equipped with all-season tires rather than summer performance tires, which harden and lose grip in cold conditions.
Utilize Digital Road Condition Apps
State departments of transportation operate tracking networks to keep motorists informed about the condition of highways. Looking at these platforms before starting your engine helps you avoid traffic jams and hazardous routes.
The 511 traveler information system is available through popular mobile apps and websites in most Midwest states. The maps depict views from cameras showing where the snowplows are driving, with colors indicating how wet or icy the roads are. Traffic monitoring tools help identify alternative routes to avoid dangerous driving conditions.
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Reviewing Regional Safety Resources
Equipping yourself with local knowledge is the absolute best way to ensure a seamless trip through the region. For more practical travel advice and coverage of many other topics, explore our other posts.
