Ries Driving School

09/10/2026

09/03/2026

Metric highways signs? That's right, in the mid-1970’s the metric system was promoted across the country as the preferred system of weights and measures. In response, WisDOT placed destination-distance signs with metric units along several interstates. Locations included I-94 westbound in Milwaukee and I-90/94 eastbound in Tomah.

The metric system was never adopted in the U.S. By the early 1990’s the metric signs were replaced with signs using today’s imperial system.

Do you think the U.S. should have used the metric system?

09/03/2026

LABOR DAY TRAVEL: As the Labor Day weekend approaches, we’re reminding travelers that a safe trip starts with smart choices behind the wheel.

According to AAA, peak travel times are expected from 2-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 12-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, and 2-5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7. Stay ahead of those busier times and “know before you go” at 511wi.gov to access traffic cameras, incidents, travel times, and more.

Please leave your phone alone, follow speed limits and stay patient on the roads. Most road construction will pause over the weekend to open as many lanes as possible. Some projects may still impact travel – check out our statewide list here: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/about-wisdot/newsroom/news-rel/090226-laborday.aspx

09/03/2026

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE: As school starts in most Wisconsin districts this week, you’ll start to see more school buses on the roads again. Here’s a reminder of what the different colored lights on a school bus indicate and what you should do if they’re flashing:

🟠Amber Warning Lights: The school bus is about to stop. Slow down and prepare to stop.

🔴Red Warning Lights: Stop at least 20 feet from the bus whether approaching from either direction. The only exception is if you are traveling on the other side of a divided road that’s separated by a median or other physical barrier.



More: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/equipment/sch-bus/dont-pass.aspx

08/27/2026

SAFETY SUCCESS: An intersection in Dodge County saw a significant drop in injury crashes after being converted from a two-way stop-controlled intersection into a roundabout.

In the five years before the project, the intersection of WIS 33 and County P saw 12 injury crashes. In the five years after the roundabout was installed, there were four injury crashes, a reduction of 69%.

This is another example of safety improvement through engineering, as roundabouts have been proven to reduce conflict points and injury crashes. Roundabouts also reduce congestion and have environmental benefits.

08/25/2026

Fall Driver’s Ed – Registration Is Now Open!

We’re excited to offer multiple in-person fall classes to give students and families flexible options that fit busy school, sports, and activity schedules.

• Sept. 12 - Dec. 19 | Saturdays only | 9-11 AM | Oakfield High School

• Sept. 13 – Dec. 20 | Sundays | 9–11 AM | Ries Driving School

• Sept. 14 – Oct. 14 | Mon., Tue., & Wed. | 6–8 PM | New Holstein High School

• Sept. 21 – Nov. 9 | Mon. & Wed. | 4–6 PM | Ries Driving School

• Sept. 21 - Nov. 9 | Mon. & Wed. | 7-9 PM | Oakfield High School

• Sept. 22 – Nov. 10 | Tue. & Thu. | 6–8 PM | Ries Driving School

• Oct. 12 – Dec. 7 | Mon. & Wed. | 7–9 PM | Ries Driving School

• Oct. 13 – Dec. 8 | Tue. & Thu. | 6–8 PM | Chilton Faith Alliance Church

• Oct. 19 – Nov. 18 | Mon., Tue., & Wed. | 6–8 PM | Kiel High School

No classes will be held during Thanksgiving week (Nov. 26–27).

Multiple locations and flexible scheduling options are available, making it easier than ever to find a class that works for your family.

Spots fill quickly each year — don’t wait!

👉 Sign up today: www.riesdrivingschool.com

08/24/2026

When it comes to merging for lane closures, there are some misconceptions out there. The truth is this - using all lanes until the merge point, and then zipper merging, will help us all get where we’re going more efficiently. The zipper merge can reduce traffic backups by as much as 40%.

So, the next time you encounter a lane closure, use all lanes until the merge point, and then take turns merging. Learn more about the zipper merge: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/safety-eng/ZipperMerge.aspx