COLUMBUS -- As Ohioans begin driving in the first winter weather this season, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) warns motorists to take it slow, especially on interstates and state-maintained highways where speeds are faster and traffic volumes are higher.
Research shows by the time the first winter storm hits, most motorists have forgotten their safe winter driving skills.
âBecause of last yearâs mild winter, many of Ohioâs motorists havenât driven in significant ice and snow in about 20 months,â said ODOT Director Jerry Wray.
Drivers can also stay safe â whether itâs the first storm or last â by following these tips:
⢠Plan Ahead: Before leaving home, find out about driving conditions by going to ODOTâs website www.BuckeyeTraffic.org. Safe drivers know the weather, and their limits. Also, follow ODOT on Facebook and Twitter.
⢠See and be Seen: Remove any snow on your vehicleâs windows, lights, brake lights and signals.
⢠Check the Clock: Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely. Itâs not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.
⢠Turn on your Lights: If you need to turn on your wipers, turn on your headlights. Itâs the law.
During last yearâs winter season, there were 16,167 winter-related crashes on Ohioâs roads. Ice- and snow-related fatalities on ODOT-maintained roads decreased by nearly 20 percent - from 21 to 17.
ODOT will make history this winter by being the first state in the nation to use green-colored strobe lights on its snowplow trucks. Studies show green lights are more easily detected by the human eye than other colors. The new green lights, along with new white lights, will be added to the existing amber lights creating a color combination unique to ODOT.
Research shows by the time the first winter storm hits, most motorists have forgotten their safe winter driving skills.
âBecause of last yearâs mild winter, many of Ohioâs motorists havenât driven in significant ice and snow in about 20 months,â said ODOT Director Jerry Wray.
Drivers can also stay safe â whether itâs the first storm or last â by following these tips:
⢠Plan Ahead: Before leaving home, find out about driving conditions by going to ODOTâs website www.BuckeyeTraffic.org. Safe drivers know the weather, and their limits. Also, follow ODOT on Facebook and Twitter.
⢠See and be Seen: Remove any snow on your vehicleâs windows, lights, brake lights and signals.
⢠Check the Clock: Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely. Itâs not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.
⢠Turn on your Lights: If you need to turn on your wipers, turn on your headlights. Itâs the law.
During last yearâs winter season, there were 16,167 winter-related crashes on Ohioâs roads. Ice- and snow-related fatalities on ODOT-maintained roads decreased by nearly 20 percent - from 21 to 17.
ODOT will make history this winter by being the first state in the nation to use green-colored strobe lights on its snowplow trucks. Studies show green lights are more easily detected by the human eye than other colors. The new green lights, along with new white lights, will be added to the existing amber lights creating a color combination unique to ODOT.