Blowing and drifting snow are causing hazardous driving conditions statewide. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is alerting all travelers to the hazardous driving conditions they may encounter across the state.
High winds, at times reaching 25 mph, are causing poor visibility and large snow drifts in some areas of Wisconsin. In addition, many areas are still icy following Monday night’s freeze. The combination of these two elements, as well as the potential for additional snow showers in some areas, could prove to be dangerous for some motorists.
WisDOT advises that travelers check winter road conditions before leaving home by calling 511 or visiting Wisconsin 511 online at 511wi.gov.
As always, follow these tips during winter travel:
• Leave at least 500 feet of distance between your vehicle and a snowplow, salt truck or another vehicle.
• Drive at a safe and legal speed for conditions.
• Make sure your gas tank is full and you have some food, warm blankets and clothing in the vehicle in case of emergency.
• Drive alert and sober.
• Always wear seatbelts.
• Make sure your cell phone is fully charged and working, and keep both hands on the wheel while driving.
• Tell others about your travel route and itinerary.
Deteriorating road conditions are blamed for a fatality accident in Winnebago County on Tuesday morning. According to the sheriff’s department, the driver of a delivery truck lost control on state Highway 26, due to road conditions, and struck an oncoming car. The driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene.
Also in Winnebago County, the northbound lanes of US 41 were closed at state Highway 44, because of a traffic incident Tuesday afternoon. Traffic was detoured for a time.
Snowy conditions and visibility issues shut down Highway 41 southbound at Highway 49 near the Brownsville exit in Dodge County. Sheriff Todd Nehls said up 20 vehicles including jack-knifed semis crashed on the stretch of road Tuesday morning.