GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Winter arrived Friday morning as many drivers had to commute on snow for the first time this year.
Experts say preparation is the key to safe winter driving.
Once again, some drivers struggled with driving on snow for the first time.
Before 8 AM, nearly every county in Northeast Wisconsin had minor crashes or cars in ditches.
“We started preparing for winter believe it or not before last winter was done,” said Chris Pirlot of Green Bay Public Works.
“We didn’t get any calls from the police department who have their patrol guys out there 24/7, so… and if they see conditions they will call and let us know and we’ll respond right away,” said Pirlot.
Just the day before, Pirlot says they were still doing fall cleanup.
“Snow season is right here and now we have an overlap of snow and leaf season,” said Pirlot. “Yesterday we had most people on leaves but some shifted to winter side, so there’s a transition back and forth.”
Pomps Tires and Auto was another busy place on Friday.
Manager Pete Allen says that is typical as people start to react to the conditions.
“People realize how bad their tires are and what they’ve been driving on and then becomes more of a crisis mode instead of just a ‘I’ve got to get ready for winter mode.’,” said Allen.
He says there is more to a safe tire than just tread.
“Anything over 4 years is hard and dried and isn’t going to adhere to the ice very so there’s other issues.
He says there are other things that also need to be checked before winter takes over.
“Cold weather batteries, anti-freeze, all these other things that are involved wiper blades, all the things that need to be checked before you start driving in the winter.
Law Enforcement says it serves as a reminder to slow down and leave extra time to get to your destination.
