Winter driving in Wisconsin isn't always easy but it doesn't have to be hard.  With a little planning, you can get there safe and sound.

If you need to take off on a trip and want to find out what the roads are like, both Wisconinsin and Minnesota offer websites and numbers you can call from the road to check on road conditions. 

	To check the WI DOT Road Conditions from the road, you can call 1-800-ROAD-WIS 24 hours a day.  You'll receive a recording that is updated daily at 6:00am, 10:00am, 3:00pm and 7:00pm.  You can also call 511 or visit the 511 page by clicking here.  Its a special page for road conditions in WI.
	If you're heading into Minnesota and want to check ahead to see what shape roads are in, click on their logo over to the left.  You can also dial 511 from your cel phone as you're driving.

If you're interested in the progress the City of Eau Claire is making on snow removal, a good place to go is their facebook page.  Click here to visit.  The city also sends updates on it's Twiter feed.




Some Gneral Winter Safety Tips

Make sure your gas tank is full and you have some food, warm blankets and clothing in the vehicle in case of emergency. If you have a cell phone, make sure it’s fully charged and working.

Tell others about your travel route and itinerary, so that if you don’t arrive at your destination, they can contact law enforcement officers and inform them where to look.

Keep others informed if you’re going to be late or encounter problems so they won’t worry needlessly.

It’s safer to travel with passengers and convoy with other vehicles than it is to drive alone.

Remember, the speed limit is based on clear roads and dry pavement—don’t drive too fast for conditions.

Watch for slippery spots on bridges and overpasses.

Take note of mileposts, exit numbers or crossroads in case you slide off the road or are involved in a crash so that law enforcement officers and tow truck operators can find you.



Avoid unnecessary travel during winter storms.

Equip you're vehicle with: booster cables, road flares, a shovel, salt, extra warm clothes, sleeping bag or blankets, hat, mittens, and boots, windshield scraper and tow rope.

Always carry a winter survival kit. Include flashlights, blankets, hand/foot warmer packets, first aid supplies, high energy candy or snacks, bright fabric to tie on the antenna for help if stranded, candles to melt snow for drinking water, pencil, paper and cell phone or change for phone calls.

Slow down and stay behind the snowplows. Drivers should allow at least five car lengths between their vehicles and snowplows.  The road behind the plow will be the safest place to drive.

Be particularly aware of black ice conditions on surfaces such as bridge decks and entrance and exit ramps.

Turn on  headlights and turn off  cruise control settings.

What to do if you are stranded in a winter storm

If the storm makes driving too hazardous or if your car breaks down, stay in the vehicle.  Walking away in a storm is very dangerous. You can lose your way, wander out of reach and/or become exhausted. Your vehicle is your best shelter.  Run your engine and heater for short intervals to stay warm.
 
Be sure to crack the window to avoid carbon monoxide build-up and keep fresh air in your vehicle. It's better to be chilly and awake than to be comfortably warm and be overcome with carbon monoxide fumes. Keep your exhaust pipe free of snow.

Keep warm without fuel. Keep your blood circulating freely. Loosen tight clothing and change positions frequently. Move your arms and legs, massage fingers and toes; tuck your hands between your legs or under your armpits. Cuddle with each other to share heat. Elevate your feet to improve circulation.

Call 911 if you have a cell phone. Describe your location, the condition of those in the car and what happened. Stay on the line until you know who you have spoken with and what will happen next.



The National Weather Service has some very good links available to keep up to date on the current weather:

Winter Weather Monitor Page
Winter Storm Watch
Hazardous Weather Outlook
Latest Snowfall Totals
Winter Safety / Preparedness