Wisconsin is in the midst of winter. With winter comes winter weather. Winter weather includes snow, ice, sleet and freezing rain. All of these weather conditions can make the roadways more dangerous and hazardous for drivers. Recent slick road conditions that were caused by the weather demonstrates the types of hazards that winter weather can pose for Wisconsin drivers.

On Thursday, February 13, Wisconsin experienced winter weather conditions. The conditions made the roads more hazardous, and the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office experienced an increase in calls for service. The Sheriff’s Office responded to 38 calls for service. The 38 calls for service included one accident with injuries, 16 accidents that resulted in property damage, 17 disabled vehicles and four accidents involving debris hazards on the roads.

Included in those calls for service was an accident involving a semi truck also occurred. The semi truck was driving south on 1-43 when it hit an icy patch. The icy patch contributed to the driver of the semi truck losing control of the vehicle. The semi truck crossed the barrier wall and came to a stop atop the barrier wall. The crash caused emergency responders to have to shut down multiple lanes of traffic on both sides of the freeway while they cleaned up following the accident. Fortunately, the driver of the truck was not injured in the accident. The driver was traveling at a speed of 57 miles per hour at the time of the accident, and law enforcement officials cited the driver for driving too fast for conditions and failure to maintain control.

The amount of calls the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office responded to demonstrates the need for extra caution while driving during winter weather. Drivers should drive a speed safe for conditions, increase following distance between themselves and other vehicles and ensure that their full attention is on the roadway. By doing these things, the it can help to make the roadways safer for all.