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Do you have to follow School Zone speed limits outside of school hours? When entering a school zone, you will see signs with a reduced speed limit. If the sign is flashing or you are driving during the hours posted on the sign, slow down to the posted speed limit.  

How should you drive behind a school bus? When driving near buses, always stop 500ft away from a bus with flashing lights. If the bus has stopped and does not have flashing lights, use caution. It is better to wait than to put a child in danger. 

Do you stop for oncoming buses on a divided highway? No – unless there is a turning lane that crosses the highway. 

Construction Zones 

Are there any tips for driving in a construction area? Driving through a construction zone can be confusing. Slow down, be tolerant and patient, create distance between you and other cars, and pay attention.  

Is there anything the police can do to improve construction zone safety? In response to a high volume of traffic accidents with construction vehicles, Portage County recently placed 2 community officers to work directly with the highway department. In their first two months, they completed 105 hours of patrol. This resulted in 94 stops, 34 citations and 60 warnings. One driver was cited for driving over 120mph through a construction zone! 

Emergency Vehicles 

What should you do if you see a police car on the side of the road? Move over, slow down. It’s the law. When you see a patrol or emergency stopped on the side of the road, move over to the left lane and slow down. 

What if the police car or an ambulance is approaching from behind you? Move over, stop. This is also a law. When a patrol or emergency vehicle is coming up behind you or oncoming, move over to the right lane and stop. In the event you are stopped at an intersection and all lanes are blocked, do your best to open up the left lane safely. 

Do you stop for oncoming vehicles on a divided highway? No – unless there is a turning lane that crosses the highway. 

Winter Driving 

Can you be pulled over for driving the speed limit? You sure can. If road conditions are poor, slow down. Not only is it dangerous to continue travelling at normal speeds, but you could also receive a citation for driving too fast for conditions or failure to control your vehicle. Slow down and stay safe. 

What do you do if you are stuck behind a snowplow? The law states that you must travel at least 200ft behind a snowplow that is driving 35mph or less. Driving closer could put you in whiteout conditions with the snow being thrown off the plow. Do not pass the plow unless they pull off to the side of the road. They are out there to make the road safe for you to drive on. Passing them could mean that you are driving on heavily snow-covered roads, driving too fast for conditions and could possibly lose control of your vehicle. 

Traffic Accidents 

Where are traffic accidents concentrated in Portage County? Accidents occur mostly on highly travelled roads, during morning and after work rush hour, and on Hwy 10. The most serious accidents typically occur at night due to high speeds and sometimes alcohol influence. These accidents more often result in fatalities. 

So, what do you do if you are involved in an accident? If you and the other driver are ok, pull off the road to a safe place, call the police and wait for help to arrive. Be sure to take down the license plate of the other driver in case they drive off.  

What if you are in an accident with a deer or another animal? If there is damage to your vehicle, you will want to report the accident for insurance purposes. Call the non-emergency number for your area and they will walk you through reporting the accident and dispatch assistance to you if needed. If you are hurt, call 911.  

Can you take the animal with you? Sometimes. You can take a deer with you. If you hit a bear or turkey, you will need to purchase a special tag. 

We hope that this information keeps you safe and happy on the road! To contact non-emergency assistance in Portage County, call (715) 346-1400. If you are within Stevens Point city limits, call (715) 346-1500. Learn more about the Portage County Sheriff’s Office and their various divisions and programs at https://www.co.portage.wi.us/department/sheriff-s-office. For emergency resources in your area, check your county’s website. For State Patrol contact information visit https://wsp.wi.gov/Pages/Contact.aspx.