Vehicles travel on Highway 172 in Brown County on July 20, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
(WTAQ-WLUK) — The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is urging drivers to prioritize safety and pack some patience ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend.
Drivers can access real-time travel information for highways across Wisconsin 511 Wisconsin at 511wi.gov or download the free 511 WI app.
“As we enjoy the final days of summer, remember that safety comes first on our roads,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “Sadly, dangerous driving has become so common in Wisconsin and across the country, whether it’s reckless, distracted or impaired driving. These preventable behaviors contribute to an unacceptable number of crashes and deaths on our roads. Whether you’re traveling near or far for one last getaway, please add these things to your packing list – allow extra travel time, give space to emergency responders, eliminate distractions when driving, take it slow in construction zones, and never drive impaired.”
Most road construction will pause over the holiday weekend to open as many lanes as possible, however there are major construction projects that may impact Labor Day weekend travel.
Motorists may encounter the WisDOT Safety Patrol along sections of I-41 in Brown and Outagamie counties, I-43 in Milwaukee County, and I-39/90/94 in Columbia County. The fleet of specially equipped vehicles help manage highway incidents within major construction work zones to keep everyone safe. Coverage hours vary, but most coverage is seven days per week, up to 14 hours per day.
Most Wisconsin rest areas are open and these facilities offer restrooms, amenities and a break from travel. The rest area along I-90 westbound near Sparta and the rest areas along I-43 near Denmark and Maribel are closed for reconstruction.
WisDOT offers these safety reminders:
- Buckle Up, Phone Down – every trip, every time. Encourage family, friends and co-workers to take the pledge.
- Slow down. Posted speed limits apply to ideal travel conditions. Drivers are required to travel at a “reasonable and prudent” speed based on weather and traffic conditions.
- Eliminate distractions and focus on what’s ahead. Texting while driving is prohibited and very dangerous. It is also illegal in Wisconsin for drivers to use a handheld mobile device in work zones.
- Move over or slow down for emergency responders stopped along a highway with their warning lights flashing. That includes police and fire vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles. In addition, state law restricts the use of a cell phone in areas surrounding those vehicles.
- Steer It, Clear It! State law requires drivers to move vehicles involved in a crash out of traffic if no one is hurt and the vehicles can be moved safely. If someone is hurt or the vehicle is disabled, drivers should not risk injury by trying to push the vehicle out of traffic.
AAA: The best and worst times to travel by car this Labor Day weekend:
Thursday, Aug. 28
- Best: Before 1 p.m.
- Worst: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 29
- Best: Before noon
- Worst: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 30
- Best: 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Worst: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 31
- Best: Before 11 a.m.
- Worst: Noon to 5 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 1
- Best: Before noon
- Worst: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
And for those who are traveling on Wisconsin’s trails with ATV or UTVs, officers will be out statewide, looking for risky behaviors. It’s part of the Think Smart Before You Start safety campaign.
There have been 27 fatal UTV/ATV crashes in Wisconsin this year. Most of them were not wearing seatbelts or helmets, and alcohol and speed were also contributing factors.
Officers will be watching for OWIs, speed and careless operation, as well as helmet and seatbelt use.
Travelers may want to consider adding emergency contact information to their license data. Visit wisconsindmv.gov/emergencycontact for the convenient online self-service application. Only law enforcement can access the information and help expedite contact to a family member or other loved one more quickly in the event of an emergency.
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