Staying safe on the side of the road

BROWN COUNTY - The roads proved dangerous for some Good Samaritans early Sunday morning, even before conditions became treacherous.

The Brown County Sheriff's Department says a two-car crash took place in the west-bound lanes of Highway 172. An SUV with two passengers then stopped to help.

That's when another car struck their vehicle, sending them into a ditch. One person was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Four others were also hurt.

Crash scenes like that have become all too familiar, state troopers say. Well-intentioned Good Samaritans pull over to the side of the road to help other drivers in a crash, and they end up in a crash of their own.

"It happens a fair amount, especially when the road conditions are bad. Even with emergency vehicles, with all the extra lighting, we seem to get hit quite a bit,” said Trooper Lou Judge with the Wisconsin State Patrol.

Judge said if you're stuck on the side of the road, there are steps to take to keep yourself and your vehicle safe.

"The slogan the DOT uses is, 'If you can steer it, clear it.' Move it to the safe spot. But, even if a car isn't drivable, if you can just move it to the shoulder a little bit,” he advised.

Officials said for drivers who are inclined to maybe be a Good Samaritan, it's good to keep something brightly-colored and reflective, like a safety vest, in your car. That way, other drivers can see you if you’re stopped on the road, especially at night.

"If you do stop to help, try to stop in a safe spot, usually past the crash is safer than before the crash. Anything you can do to make yourself more visible and keep away from traffic,” said Judge.

Troopers say it's up to the other drivers to slow down and be courteous when vehicles are disabled on the shoulders.

"If you can, switch lanes if there are cars off the shoulder, stay in the farthest lane away from them,” said Judge.

AAA Wisconsin reminds drivers to use defensive driving skills in winter. That means looking farther ahead in traffic, not using cruise control when it's icy, and slowing down when road conditions are bad.

Helpful hints to stay safe as Mother Nature prepares to bring her worst.

The crash on 172 remains under investigation. Officials don't believe alcohol was a factor.