Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel
Superintendent
Ohio State Highway Patrol

December has arrived, and with it comes winter weather and holiday driving concerns. This month I want to use my column to make sure we are all on the same page when it comes to being safe on Ohio's roadways during the upcoming days and weeks.

As always, troopers will be diligently working throughout the month to be sure holiday celebrations do not turn into preventable tragedies. State troopers will do their part by working to reduce crash-causing violations, remove impaired drivers from the roadways, and assist motorists in need of help.

We hope to positively impact Ohio's annual rural death toll by reducing the number of motorists killed during high-volume travel holidays.

Despite overwhelming evidence that safety belts are the single, most effective safety device available to motor vehicle occupants, too many are still not buckling up, and too many of those people are paying the ultimate price with their lives. I am urging everyone to take the couple of seconds necessary to buckle up every time you are in a motor vehicle. That simple act could one day save your life.

Obviously Ohio's weather is not always the most conducive for travel this time of the year. There are several ways the Patrol will provide road and weather information for motorists in Ohio this winter. First, drivers can check the Patrol's toll-free road and weather conditions hotline at 1-888-2OH-ROAD (1-888-264-7623). This number, updated by Patrol personnel throughout the state, provides updated travel conditions for major routes and all Ohio counties.

The Patrol's website is another useful resource motorists can use this winter. By logging on to www.state.oh.us/ohiostatepatrol/, travelers can access road and weather information links to help in planning for the safest routes and times to drive.

Also remember the number to report dangerous drivers, disabled motorists, or other highway concerns to the Patrol toll-free is 1-877-7-PATROL (1-877-772-8765).

It is a good idea to keep a winter car kit, consisting of a few important items, in each vehicle. Winter car kit items include: jumper cables; flares or roadway reflectors; flashlight and extra batteries; windshield washer fluid; small shovel; ice scraper; antifreeze; flat tire fixer; blanket; non-perishable foods; candle; matches; and first-aid kit.

Ice on the roads may not always be visible. In the event your vehicle begins to skid on ice or snow, resist the temptation to hit the brakes. Instead, stop pressing the accelerator and steer the vehicle into the direction of the skid.

Remember, greater following distances and slower speeds are also important in winter months because stopping distances can triple during adverse roadway conditions. Be sure to slowly accelerate to prevent traction loss on ice and snow-covered roadways. It is additionally a good idea to pass with care because passing lanes are not typically maintained as well as driving lanes during bad weather.

This is a time when friends and families gather to celebrate the holidays. Please join the Highway Patrol in taking the initiative and precautions necessary to make this a safe holiday period and winter driving season.