GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – While falling snow looks beautiful, it can also be very dangerous.
The first snow of the year during a work day caused for some slippery conditions as workers made their way home.
Keith Rager, a traffic officer for Green Bay Police Department, tells FOX 11 it’s always tough adjusting back to driving in winter weather.
“I don’t think anybody was prepared for this first snow.”
He says the slipping and sliding of vehicles on roadways is to be expected, as those in Northeast Wisconsin need to get used to driving in winter weather again.
“I started work at 2:15 and there’s probably been about 20 accidents so far. There’s probably five accidents still waiting to be taken by officers.”
Adding he thinks there were three times as many crashes, when compared to a regular winter day.
And there are some places that are more prone to create problems.
“Roundabouts for sure, the exit ramps and entrance ramps onto highways are always an issue,” said Rager. “And then just some of the busy intersections on the east and west side.”
State Patrol Sergeant Andy Jacobs was patrolling Interstate 41 by the Oneida Street exit on Monday afternoon.
“Winter weather is back again, right. We need to start those good driving behaviors again.”
He says there were crashes all over the place, but with the highways having higher speed limits than main roads, reaction time is critical in avoiding getting yourself into one.
Adding more modern cars have daytime running lights, which is something you should keep an eye out for.
“You don’t have any tail lights, so for snowing and raining and stuff, make sure you actually turn on your headlights,” said Jacobs.
He tells FOX 11 creating safe driving habits like slowing down and creating space for those in front of you can help keep crash numbers down.
