Your Wisconsin Winter Safety Checklist: Avoiding Common Holiday Accidents

Wisconsin winters are beautiful, but they also bring an increased risk of accidents, especially during the busy holiday season. Snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and heavier travel all contribute to a spike in injuries from traffic collisions, slip and fall incidents, pedestrian accidents, and even home hazards.

Whether you’re driving across town, hosting guests, or shopping for gifts, taking a few precautions can help you protect yourself and your loved ones. Below is a winter safety checklist to help you avoid some of the most common holiday accidents in Wisconsin.

Holiday Driving Safety: Reduce Your Risk of Winter Car Accidents

Cold weather and holiday traffic make December and January some of the most dangerous months on Wisconsin roads.

To reduce your risk of a car accident, consider taking the following steps:

Slow down and increase following distance on icy or snowy roads
Clear all snow and ice from your windshields, mirrors, roof, and headlights
Use winter tires for enhanced traction
Check your battery, as cold temperatures reduce power
Carry an emergency kit (blanket, water, flashlight, jumper cables, etc.)
Avoid driving during active storms when visibility is low
Stay alert for impaired drivers — holiday parties often lead to increased drunk driving incidents

Even with careful driving, other motorists may act recklessly. Staying alert and preparing your vehicle can significantly reduce your chances of a collision.

Preventing Slip and Fall Injuries on Ice and Snow

Slip and fall accidents are extremely common during winter in Wisconsin—especially in parking lots, store entrances, sidewalks, and residential areas. Many of these incidents lead to broken bones, back injuries, or head trauma.

To stay safe:

Wear boots with slip-resistant soles
Walk slowly and take smaller steps
Use handrails when available
Test potentially icy areas before shifting your weight
Keep your driveway and walkway salted or sanded
Watch for black ice near curbs and downspouts
Use extra caution in store parking lots during peak shopping hours

Property owners and businesses have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe premises. If they fail to clear snow or ice, victims may have a premises liability claim.

Protect Yourself While Shopping and Running Errands

Holiday errands mean crowded stores, busy parking lots, and increased opportunities for accidents. To avoid injury:

Park in well-lit areas
Watch for reversing vehicles when walking behind parked cars
Keep both hands free by using a cart instead of carrying multiple bags
Be cautious around displays or items stacked on shelves
Report spills or hazards to store staff immediately

Crowded conditions also increase the risk of trip hazards, falling merchandise, or collisions with carts.

Staying Safe as a Pedestrian in Winter

Shorter daylight hours and slippery sidewalks make winter especially hazardous for walkers and runners. Many serious pedestrian accidents also occur when drivers fail to slow down or cannot stop on icy roads.

Protect yourself by:

Wearing reflective or bright clothing
Using sidewalks whenever possible
Crossing only at marked intersections
Making eye contact with drivers before entering a crosswalk
Avoiding distractions like texting while walking
Walking against traffic if no sidewalks are available

Drivers owe pedestrians a duty of care, but visibility and traction challenges make caution especially critical during winter.

Preventing Home and Holiday Gathering Accidents

Whether you’re hosting or visiting friends and family, the holidays bring additional risks around the home. Common incidents include burn injuries, falls, and electrical fires.

Here’s how to reduce these hazards:

Keep stairways and entryways well-lit and free of clutter
Clean up snow and ice before guests arrive
Secure loose rugs and cords
Use caution with candles, fireplaces, and space heaters
Follow instructions when hanging holiday lights
Keep walkways salted to prevent guest injuries
Store gifts and decorations away from high-traffic areas

If someone is injured on another person’s property due to unsafe conditions, they may have the right to bring a claim, depending on the circumstances.

What to Do If You Are Injured in a Winter Accident

If you suffer a winter-related injury, your health and safety come first. You should:

Seek immediate medical attention
Report the incident to the appropriate party (e.g., to police, the property owner, business, etc.)
Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any other relevant details
Gather witness names and contact information
Keep records of medical treatment and expenses
Contact a personal injury lawyer before speaking with insurers

Insurance companies often minimize claims by blaming victims or arguing that the weather alone caused the incident. An attorney can help protect your rights and determine whether negligence played a role.

Injured in a Holiday Accident? Contact Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. for a Free Consultation with a Madison Personal Injury Lawyer

If you were hurt in a winter or holiday-related accident in Madison, WI, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. can explain your legal options, gather evidence, deal with insurance adjusters, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

We proudly serve Dane County, Jefferson County, Sauk County, Rock County, Columbia County, and their surrounding areas.

Eisenberg Law Offices S.C. – Madison
308 E Washington Ave
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 256-8356

Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Madison, WI
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