GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – With the first snowfall of the season on the horizon it’s important to remember a few things before hitting the road.
Randy Schultz is the former Brown County Sheriffs Patrol Captain and he says prior to retirement, the first snowfall of the season was always a busy day for his division.
“It’s like everybody loses their mind and has to re-learn,” he says.
According to him, it’s often not the snow, but actually, other drivers that pose the biggest threat.
“You can drive 90 [miles per hour] on ice in a straight line, but as soon as you have to turn or brake it’s all over,” says Schultz.
Any distractions in the car become even more dangerous since snow or ice eliminates the time a driver has to react. Schultz says it’s never a good idea to be messing with a phone while driving, especially in winter conditions.
“I have to remind myself leave the phone where it is,” he says. “It’s not that important.”
It’s also a good idea to leave increased distance between your vehicle and others on the road because there’s no way to know if others are remaining aware and alert.
Other reminders include the importance of leaving early.
It’s going to take longer to reach any destination if there’s snow on the ground.
“You can’t leave at the last minute and expect to fly across the 172 bridge like you do every morning,” explains Schultz.
Most areas in Northeast Wisconsin are expected to see 1 to 3 inches of snow accumulate throughout the morning and afternoon on Friday.
More than anything, remember two things when you’re about to leave the house Friday morning or any other day.
“Please pay attention and leave your phone where it belongs while you’re driving,” says Schultz.
