'If you don’t have to be out, don’t go out:' Law enforcement urges caution on the roads

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Local law enforcement is urging caution on the roads ahead of this weekend's wintry weather. 

"One thing, if you don’t have to be out, don’t go out," said Sgt. Andrew Bilda with the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office. 

"The time it takes to slow down will be affected by this snow and ice, whatever kind of weather we get," said Trooper Daniel Mittelstadt with the Wisconsin State Patrol. 

Mittelstadt says it's a good idea to have first aid kits, ice scrapers, and other supplies in a vehicle. 

"Winter clothes, hats, mittens, extra blankets... doesn’t hurt to have energy bars or water in there," he said. 

And check your gas, too. 

"When it gets colder out, if you’re closer to quarter of a tank you have a higher probability of running out of gas and don’t know it," said Lt. Chad Niles with the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office. 

Niles says it's also important to increase following distance. 

"In conditions like this when we get the big snow storms, we are looking at slick roads -- even spots that may not be real snowy that may be black ice that you’re not aware of," he said.

"If you end up unfortunately in a ditch, put your hazards on, stay in your vehicle and call in 911," said Sgt. Bilda, "Stay in your vehicle, 'cause it’s safer for you in your vehicle than if you got up and walked around." 

If you're in a minor crash and you are able to drive your vehicle, Bilda says to take the next exit and get off the freeway. 

"If you come upon a crash and there is law enforcement there, give them space, slow down move over," Bilda adds, "They can do everything they need to do with the crash and keep from causing another one."