The first “major” snowfall of around four inches occurred this past week the morning of Saturday, December 9th. This snowfall means one thing: winter is officially here for Wisconsin. With the cold weather and changing road conditions, what does this mean for Arrowhead students?

“I don’t like winter, solely because of driving in the snow,” says AHS senior John Doleschy. “I have already totaled a car last winter.”

“I’m not a fan of the cold weather and snow,” says AHS junior Max Quadracci. “My car got stuck in a ditch on Saturday because my brakes locked due to the snow and ice on the road. I felt comfortable with driving in the winter until it happened, now I dread it.”

According to the Safe Winter Roads website, “Over 1,300 people are killed and more than 116,800 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy or icy pavement annually. Each year 24 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement and 15 percent happen during snowfall or sleet.”

To stay safe in the winter, the American Automobile Association recommends keeping your gas tank at least half full at all times to avoid a gas line freeze-up. Do not use cruise control when driving on a slippery surface, always look and steer where you want to go, and use your seatbelt every time you get into a vehicle.

In addition, AAA recommends to accelerate and decelerate slowly, drive slowly, turn slowly, and don’t feel the need to drive if you feel uncomfortable on the road. Even if you think you can drive well in the snow, not everyone can—especially in rough road conditions—so don’t tempt fate: it’s okay to stay home.

Despite the stress that can come from driving in winter conditions, there are exciting things to look forward to with the first snowfall.

“I’m very excited for winter. I love cold weather and all the warm food and good music,” says AHS junior Bella Pitzo. “I celebrated the first excess amount of snow playing football in the snow with friends and family, then we had a snowball fight.”

“I’m very excited for winter because it makes me smile and reminds me of all of the Christmas memories I’ve had in the past,” says AHS junior Brady Jager. “I spent Saturday carolling with Broadway Company, which is always fun. At first I was nervous about driving in the snow by myself but once I was with my friends and had Christmas music on, I felt good.”

“I am so excited for winter because I love the spirit during this time of year,” says AHS junior Savannah Knaak. “I woke up early on Saturday to take the ACT and instantly freaked out because I was so excited for the snow! After the ACT, I drove around and spent the night next to the fire watching Christmas movies. The best thing about winter to me is being able to watch ABC’s 25 days of Christmas while cuddled up in my bed hibernating.”