GREEN BAY, WI - More than 103 million Americans plan on traveling this holiday season, according to AAA.
Here in Wisconsin, the State Patrol is reminding drivers to prepare for backups, and potentially dangerous winter conditions.
For more than 93 million Americans, they'll be doing their holiday travel on the highways. And state troopers across Wisconsin are preparing.
"You need to plan ahead," says Trooper John Vernon, "you need to give yourself some extra time. [We have] as many troopers out there on the roads as we can, just to ensure that everybody makes it to where they're going safely."
For drivers in this region, the DOT says construction on Wisconsin 441 near Appleton is the only active project.
The DOT says construction on the 441 project will stop Friday at noon, and won't resume until Tuesday the 27th.
"Really, all the other projects in northeast Wisconsin are finished," says Mark Kantola, of the DOT.
But Vernon warns construction isn't the only risk. High winds, and blowing snow can create treacherous conditions.
"The snow will create drifts on the road," says Vernon. "It's going to cover the road, and the snow is going to make it slippery. And there's also the black ice--what you can't see."
Drivers are urged to check their speed and be ready to respond.
"So, make sure you leave a little bit of a gap between your car, and the vehicle in front of you," says Vernon, "and slow down."
Drivers are also reminded to keep the right gear in their car to stay warm and hydrated in case of an emergency.
"Make sure you have some water, [and] some mittens [or] gloves, and a jacket in the car with you," says Vernon.
More than 6 million Americans are expected to travel by plane this Christmas.
