Driving Too Fast For Conditions Causes Many Wintertime Troubles

February law of the month

Madison, WI – Maintaining control on slick surfaces will be critical to the success of many athletes competing in the 2010 Winter Olympics this month. Maintaining control is also critical to the safety of motorists on icy and snow-covered roads. But all too often, motorists lose control of their vehicles and end up in ditches or causing crashes because they were driving too fast for conditions.

“When there’s ice, snow or slick spots on roadways or when visibility is reduced because of bad weather, you must slow down to maintain control of your vehicle and to be able to stop safely. In bad weather or slippery road conditions, driving at the posted speed limit may even be too fast for conditions,” says Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent David Collins.

Slowing down when driving conditions are poor is not just sound advice-it’s also the law.

It is illegal to drive at speeds that exceed what is reasonable and prudent under existing road conditions. Drivers are required to adjust their speeds to take into account both the actual and potential hazards due to weather, highway conditions or other traffic.

A violation of this state law costs $213.10 with four demerit points added to the driver’s record. A second offense within a 12-month period costs $263.50 with an additional four points.

“The slogan ‘Snow Means Slow’ also applies to four-wheel drive and other heavy-duty vehicles, which need the same stopping distance as other vehicles on slippery roads,” says Superintendent Collins. “It’s too late to change your driving behavior after your vehicle is in the ditch or involved in a crash. If you drive too fast for conditions, you likely could end up paying a couple hundred dollars for a ticket in addition to your towing and vehicle repair bills.”

Posted @ 9:10 p.m.