Chicago, IL – With winter conditions returning across Illinois, the National Weather Service (NWS) is urging drivers to slow down and prepare for icy roads this week as part of Winter Weather Preparedness Week.
According to the NWS, more than 1,000 deaths and 100,000 injuries occur each year in the U.S. due to vehicle crashes during winter weather. The agency’s reminder—“Ice and snow, take it slow”—aims to reduce those numbers by encouraging drivers to adjust their habits as temperatures drop.
The agency recommends clearing snow and ice off vehicles before driving, avoiding cruise control on slick roads, and leaving extra distance between vehicles to allow for longer braking times. Even roads that only appear wet can be dangerously icy, especially during morning and evening commutes.
The NWS Chicago office also shared additional winter safety resources at weather.gov/chicago/winterprepare, including checklists for car emergency kits and guidance for navigating black ice.
Motorists are advised to check local forecasts daily and monitor alerts through official NWS channels before traveling.
This advisory is part of a broader national effort to raise awareness ahead of the season’s first significant snow events, which are expected to impact parts of the Midwest later this month.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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