1,836 people die annually due to snowy and icy road conditions. Winters in Wisconsin are unpredictable with frigid temperatures and a lot of snow. Some winter driving tips everyone needs to remember will help you remember how to drive in the snow. Even if you think you can’t see ice or snow on the road, always remember these tips. 

First, always be sure you have good tires; you’ll need traction a lot during the winter. You’ll also want to be sure that your tires are inflated well and aren’t low. 

Next, don’t go too fast for road conditions. The road might look clear but you never know when you’ll have to suddenly stop, so it’s safer to go slower.

Give yourself more time for stopping or slowing down. You should reduce your speed by at least 30% when the pavement is wet and about 50% when there is snow on the pavement. 

Be sure your car is packed with essentials that you would need if you ever wrecked, slid off the road, or broke down, because 17% of all car accidents happen in winter conditions. The most important items to keep in your car are a coat, snow pants, a flashlight, hats, gloves, a blanket, boots, a small shovel, and a windshield scraper. You never know how long you’ll be stuck or how low the temperature will drop. 

 Always keep at least half a gallon of gas in your tank; if you don’t, the chances of the gasoline gelling up are greater. 

Do not warm up your car in an enclosed area, like a garage. The carbon monoxide build-up is extremely toxic. 

Don’t stop if you can avoid it; try going around whatever is in your way, but if you cannot avoid it, then slow down. But if you can avoid it, don’t go out at all; stay home.