'Get home safe:' Despite light snowfall Sunday, drivers say not to underestimate conditions

 

OAK CREEK, Wis. (CBS 58) -- While Sunday's snowfall wasn't too bad, especially for Wisconsin, it did serve as a good reminder that snow *is* coming and that drivers on the road should be prepared.

Truck drivers at a Love's Travel Stop in Oak Creek told CBS 58 any kind of snowy road conditions should not be underestimated.

“People forget how to drive, it’s like come on, we’re in Wisconsin, you should know how to drive in snow," said Jairo Ramos. “Go five to 10 miles slower than you have to and when it’s really bad, go 20 miles slower if you have to.”

Ramos, whose father and brother also drive large trucks, said his family has unfortunately seen their fair share of accidents.

"It's not pretty. They’re not aware of what’s really going on, they just care about getting where they’re gonna go," Ramos said. “Take it slow, they don’t, leave early, they don’t, and they expect to get to where they’re going at the same rate of speed under fair conditions.”

And as the sun continues to set earlier in the day and the nights grow longer, others said it's imperative to drive defensively at all times.

“A good rule of thumb is as long you follow the conditions of the road you’ll be safe," said David Stuckey. “There’s no need to drive faster than what the speed limit or the weather condition is.”

Stuckey added that big trucks also can take longer to slow down or turn, so being provided with extra room in between vehicles is always appreciated.

“Whether you’re driving a car, whether you’re on a bicycle, you’re walking, whatever the case may be the end game is to get back home safely to your family," Stuckey said.

The Wisconsin State Department of Transportation has reported eight crashes so far Sunday in Milwaukee County and one crash in Waukesha County.

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office also said there was a deadly crash early in the morning in Milwaukee, but it isn't clear yet if that is weather-related.