WARREN COUNTY -- Bone-chilling temperatures and white-out conditions Monday afternoon triggered three major pile ups and shut down interstates across Ohio.
I-75 South in Warren County was the scene of a 50-vehicle crash. Around the same time, there was a fatal chain-reaction crash involving more than 80 cars on I-275 near Cincinnati. Then, I-71 South in Mansfield was closed after more than 30 cars smashed into each other. To make sure you avoid a similar situation, we talked to state troopers about the steps you need to take to stay safe on the roads.
Traffic was backed up for miles on I-75 South in Middletown around lunchtime Monday after a sudden white-out left roads icy and covered in snow.
"All of a sudden we saw a truck coming toward us and just slammed us," said Adam Stevens. "We continued to get pummeled by at least five more cars and then the last car ripped us out of the pile up and threw us back into the road."
The massive pile-up involved more than 50 vehicles and shut down the interstate for three hours. State troopers say a few dozen people were injured.
"I thought today was going to be the day I die. Especially when I saw a semi sliding toward us. I thought, this thing is going to take us out," Stevens said.
"I've seen a lot of accidents before but nothing to this scale," said Mike Vance, whose son was involved in the accident.
There were similar scenes near Cincinnati and Columbus on Monday afternoon. Slick conditions were also to blame.
When people lose control on the interstate, it can get catastrophic quickly because of the volume of vehicles, said Ohio State Trooper Sgt. Chris Colbert.
With wind chills dipping below zero Monday night, troopers say slick spots on your morning commute are practically guaranteed. So they're asking you to be prepared, and at the minimum, double your following distance.
"People just need to plan ahead and slow down, avoid any sudden breaking," Sgt. Colbert said.
When temperatures get this cold, troopers also recommend keeping your gas tank full in case you do get stranded. Have extra clothes and blankets in your car. Plus, make sure you have a bottle of water and a snack, like a protein bar, with you.
I-75 South in Warren County was the scene of a 50-vehicle crash. Around the same time, there was a fatal chain-reaction crash involving more than 80 cars on I-275 near Cincinnati. Then, I-71 South in Mansfield was closed after more than 30 cars smashed into each other. To make sure you avoid a similar situation, we talked to state troopers about the steps you need to take to stay safe on the roads.
Traffic was backed up for miles on I-75 South in Middletown around lunchtime Monday after a sudden white-out left roads icy and covered in snow.
"All of a sudden we saw a truck coming toward us and just slammed us," said Adam Stevens. "We continued to get pummeled by at least five more cars and then the last car ripped us out of the pile up and threw us back into the road."
The massive pile-up involved more than 50 vehicles and shut down the interstate for three hours. State troopers say a few dozen people were injured.
"I thought today was going to be the day I die. Especially when I saw a semi sliding toward us. I thought, this thing is going to take us out," Stevens said.
"I've seen a lot of accidents before but nothing to this scale," said Mike Vance, whose son was involved in the accident.
There were similar scenes near Cincinnati and Columbus on Monday afternoon. Slick conditions were also to blame.
When people lose control on the interstate, it can get catastrophic quickly because of the volume of vehicles, said Ohio State Trooper Sgt. Chris Colbert.
With wind chills dipping below zero Monday night, troopers say slick spots on your morning commute are practically guaranteed. So they're asking you to be prepared, and at the minimum, double your following distance.
"People just need to plan ahead and slow down, avoid any sudden breaking," Sgt. Colbert said.
When temperatures get this cold, troopers also recommend keeping your gas tank full in case you do get stranded. Have extra clothes and blankets in your car. Plus, make sure you have a bottle of water and a snack, like a protein bar, with you.
