.png)
Wisconsin Winter Driving Tips From Hupy and Abraham's Milwaukee Legal Team
Winter in Wisconsin presents unique challenges for drivers. Even experienced motorists may need help maintaining control of their vehicles. Whether you're a newcomer to the state or a longtime resident, navigating Wisconsin's roads in winter requires careful preparation and adaptability.
At Hupy and Abraham, S.C., our Milwaukee car accident lawyers have helped countless clients across Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois recover from winter weather-related crashes. With decades of experience and over $1 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements, we’re the firm you can trust to help when you are hurt.
How to Prepare Your Car Before You Drive This Winter
Folks say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that’s never truer than during the winter months. You can and should take a few steps to get your car road-ready this winter.
Check Your Tires
Your tires are your first line of defense against winter weather conditions. Install winter tires before the first snowfall and check their pressure weekly. Cold weather can cause air to condense and tire pressure to drop, making it harder to brake, steer, or control the car. Good tire pressure is also important for fuel efficiency.
Test Your Battery
Cold weather can reduce battery capacity. Have your battery tested before winter arrives and replace it if necessary. Most car batteries last 2-6 years in Wisconsin's climate, depending on how far north you are.
Inspect Your Brakes
Ask your mechanic to check the brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels. (Ask about winter-specific brake pads, too.) Stopping in wet or icy conditions can be difficult; if your brakes are damaged, it can be even harder.
Top Off Fluids
Fill your windshield washer reservoir with winter-grade fluid and check other essential fluids. Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freezing and ensure you have enough fuel if stranded.
Pack Your Emergency Kit
Every car should have an emergency kit, just in case. We recommend the following items:
- Road flares
- Jumper cables
- Flashlights
- Emergency hammer*
- First aid items
- Dry crackers or other shelf-stable food
- Bottled water
- Blanket
- Cardboard or sand
*We recommend two emergency hammers: one in the kit and one in your glove box or armrest. This ensures that you and your passengers can access the tool in every part of the car.
How to Drive in Winter Weather in Wisconsin
We understand that most folks will have to venture out on the roads at some point this winter. The type of winter weather you face can change the way you need to adapt on the road.
Driving in Winter Rain
Rain can reduce visibility as well as make the roads slippery. If you must drive in winter rain:
- Double your following distance to at least six seconds, as wet roads reduce traction.
- Reduce your speed by at least 5-10 mph below the posted limit when roads are wet.
- Turn on your headlights to increase visibility, even during daylight hours.
- Watch for standing water that could cause hydroplaning, especially in areas where snowmelt combines with rainfall.
If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, stay calm and avoid slamming on your brakes. Instead, slowly ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go until you regain control.
Driving in Sleet and Freezing Rain
Sleet and freezing rain create some of the most dangerous driving conditions. If possible, wait until road crews have treated the streets before driving.
If you must drive:
- Maintain at least a 10-second following distance from other vehicles.
- Avoid using cruise control, which can cause your vehicle to accelerate if you hit a slick spot.
- Make all movements gradual (slow acceleration, gentle steering, and careful braking) to avoid losing control on icy surfaces.
Driving in Snow
Snow requires significant adjustments to your driving technique. Start by clearing ALL snow from your vehicle, including the roof, hood, and trunk; flying snow can create hazards for other drivers. Accelerate and decelerate slowly to maintain traction and avoid skidding.
- When driving uphill in the snow, build gentle momentum on the approach and avoid stopping if possible.
- For downhill driving, reduce your speed before the slope and descend slowly in a lower gear.
- If you begin to slide, steer in the direction you want to go and resist the urge to brake suddenly, which could worsen the slide.
Never use cruise control in snowy conditions, and stay in the clearest lane when possible. Remember that bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas freeze first and stay frozen longer than other road surfaces. Most importantly, increase your following distance to 8-10 seconds, giving you plenty of time to react if the vehicle ahead encounters problems.
What to Do if You Get Caught in a Winter Storm While Driving in Wisconsin
If you are out and about when a storm hits, and you can safely return home, you should probably do so. Not driving is the safest option when the weather is poor. But if you cannot get home, if you get stranded, or if you are in a car accident and need to wait for medical attention, here is what you should do:
- Stay with your vehicle. Your car provides shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to find you. Run the engine for about 10 minutes each hour to stay warm, and keep one window slightly open for ventilation.
- Make yourself visible. Tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna or door handle. When the snow stops falling, raise the hood to signal you need help.
- Preserve your resources. Light flares only when you hear approaching vehicles to conserve them for when they're most needed.
- Monitor carbon monoxide. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, clear snow from your exhaust pipe regularly and open a downwind window slightly when running the engine.
Who Is Liable for a Car Accident Caused by Snow, Ice, or Winter Weather?
Many different parties may be at fault and, therefore, liable for a winter car crash in Wisconsin.
- Another driver. Wisconsin drivers must adjust their driving behavior to match weather conditions. Failing to slow down or maintain proper following distance in winter weather can result in liability. Drivers who violate traffic laws or drive recklessly can be held liable for accidents they cause when they lose control of their vehicles.
- The local government. Local governments may be responsible if they fail to properly maintain roads or remove snow within a reasonable timeframe after a storm. They may also be liable if the road’s design plays a role in a crash.
- A business or company. Companies and businesses that employ (or contract) drivers may be held liable for a crash.
In some cases, more than one party may be at fault for your accident.
Wisconsin's Modified Comparative Negligence Law
What happens if multiple people are involved in a wreck, and you’re found partially to blame? Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning you can recover damages as long as you're not more than 51% at fault for the accident. Your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation. For example, if you're awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 20% at fault, you'll receive $80,000.
How Our Milwaukee Car Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Winter Crash
One of the best things you can do to protect yourself after a crash in winter is to hire a Milwaukee car accident lawyer. At Hupy and Abraham, S.C., we aim to maximize your recovery. This means proving that other people or parties were responsible for your crash and resulting injuries. We can help protect your rights and pursue fair compensation. We understand Wisconsin's complex liability laws and have a proven track record of successfully handling winter accident claims.
Our car accident lawyers in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin will thoroughly investigate your accident, gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and fight for maximum compensation for your injuries.