MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin – With Thanksgiving travel fast approaching, Wisconsin officials are reminding drivers to prepare vehicles now for snow, ice, and long holiday drives. From Milwaukee to Madison, state transportation leaders are stressing early maintenance and safety checks as the most effective way to prevent breakdowns and delays once winter weather sets in.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, early November is the ideal time to check tire tread, top off antifreeze, replace wiper blades, and test batteries. Drivers should also pack a winter emergency kit that includes a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, bottled water, nonperishable snacks, and traction aids like sand or kitty litter.
Motorists traveling on I-94, I-90, or U.S. 41 during Thanksgiving week should prepare for heavy traffic and potentially slick conditions across lake-effect zones and open farmland. “Even experienced Wisconsin drivers can get caught off guard by the first snow,” a WisDOT spokesperson said. “A few minutes of preparation now keeps everyone safer later.” Officials also recommend keeping gas tanks at least half full, charging phones, and checking 511wi.gov for up-to-date road and plow information.
With the winter driving season about to begin, state officials emphasize that readiness before Thanksgiving travel ensures safer, smoother trips across Wisconsin’s highways and rural routes as families head out for the holidays.
