Winter in Wisconsin is quickly approaching and that means its time to prepare for potentially hazardous travel.
Weather in the dead of winter can change quickly. According to the National Transportation Department 1,300 people are killed and over 100,000 people are injured in car crashes on slippery roads each year.
No one likes encountering car problems at any point during the year, especially in the cold and snow of winter. That’s why Oshkosh Police are helping to winterize a few student vehicles at Oshkosh West High School by getting the “junk out of the trunk,” to get the students ready for the snow.
“We partnered with Oshkosh West High School to allow kids to clean out the junk from their trunk and turn that junk in for a reward,” said Resource Officer, Dave Maas.
Just by filling a bag with trash from their car, these kids can win several prizes from things like blankets, to ice scrapers, to flashlights.
“With the onset of winter, obviously the hazards increase. It’s important for them to have these necessary tools to be able to protect themselves to be able to say with their car if their battery dies, be able to warn other of a stalled vehicle,” said Maas.
Every student is also given suggestions on how to handle slippery roads, like keeping a good following distance, and breaking sooner than normal.
Other tips include making sure you know the conditions of the road before you start driving, and always have your cell phone charged in case of roadside emergencies.
Here are some items you can keep in your car to make sure you are prepared for anything:
1. Flashlight
2. Fleece blanket
3. Ice scraper
4. Jumper cables
5. First aid kit
6. Extra winter hats, gloves, coat and boots
7. Shovel
8. Road salt or sand
