The first major snowfall of the season left more than icy roads across Whitewater, it has left students dealing with unexpected repair bills, tow charges and the hidden costs of navigating Wisconsin winter. For many drivers, the financial impact hits long before the temperatures rise.
UW-Whitewater student Cody learned that firsthand earlier this month after sliding on ice while turning into his driveway. What looked like a harmless snowbank turned into an expensive fix.
“I bumped into a snowbank way harder than I expected,” Cody said. “It cracked my bumper and bent some of the plastic under the car.”
Doesn’t sound too bad right? Just wait until you hear the price tag.
“I got quoted around five hundred dollars just to fix the bumper,” he said. “I don’t really have five hundred bucks lying around. I got rent, groceries…Now I have to figure out how to pay for car repairs too.
Cody is not alone. Local road crews say winter driving creates a chain reaction of hazards that quickly turn into costly consequences for drivers, especially young ones.
Jesus Ortiz, CEO of Aether Development, the company responsible for plowing several commercial and residential areas in town says the danger is often hidden in plain sight.
“Black ice, without a doubt, is the biggest threat,” Ortiz said. “People think the road looks wet, not frozen, and that’s when accidents happen.”
Even freshly plowed streets can become dangerous within minutes if temperatures drop.
“We can clear the snow, but moisture can refreeze fast,” Ortiz said. “Drivers still need to slow down because Mother Nature fills in the gaps.”
Ortiz also says one of the biggest challenges plow crews face is drivers trying to pass them, something that often leads to crashes.
“Plows move slower for a reason,” he said. “Give us space. It keeps everyone safer”
Both Ortiz and Cody say the best way to avoid costly repairs is simple: slow down, create more distance, and assume everything is slicker than it looks.
As winter continues, students may feel the financial strain long before spring, reminding everyone that in Wisconsin, safe driving is often the cheapest option.
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