Winter Weather Wreaks Havoc, Ohio Patrol Driving Tips

From December 2011 through March 2012, 15,526 crashes occurred on snow, ice or slush covered roadways killing 27 people and injuring 4,529. Speed-related factors were reported as a cause in 72 percent of these crashes, according to the Ohio State Patrol.

This actually represents a 59 percent decrease from the winter of 2010-11, but is largely attributed to last year’s mild winter.

The Ohio State Patrol has broken Ohio into nine reporting districts. District 2, which includes Lorain County, had 1,330 winter-weather related crashes.

“In case of a vehicle breakdown, motorists should turn on their hazard warning lights, safely position the vehicle as far off the road as possible, call #677 for assistance and remain in the vehicle until help arrives,” Colonel John Born, Patrol superintendent, said.

Speed-related  factors were reported as the cause in 72 percent of crashes on snow, ice or slush covered roads. These causes include driving at an unsafe speed, following to closely, and failure to control.

Ohio State Patrol winter driving tips: 

• In the event of inclement weather, the Patrol is urging motorists to allow extra time to get to their destination, maintain a safe distance between their vehicle and the traffic ahead, pay close attention to bridges and overpasses – as they are often the first to freeze over – and to drive slowly, as everything including accelerating, turning and braking, take longer on snow-covered roadways.

• Troopers further suggest that if you get stuck in snow; make sure that your tail pipe is free of all snow and debris, to decrease your chance of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

• All motorists are encouraged to prepare their vehicle for winter driving by ensuring that the battery, cooling system, tires, wipers and defroster are all in working order. Drivers are also encouraged to carry the following winter car kit items in their vehicle in case of a breakdown:

         Cell phone with car charger

         Road flares or reflectors

         Help or Call Police signs

         First aid kit

         Flashlight

         Blanket/Sleeping bag

         Small shovel

         Bottled water and energy foods

         Candles and matches

         Tow strap/chain