Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel
Superintendent
Ohio State Highway Patrol

Autumn is a beautiful time to travel on Ohio’s highways. However, today’s colorful autumn leaves along the roadways will soon give way to snow and ice, which increases the driving dangers on our highways. Winter driving skills are used only a few months each year, so it is important to remind drivers to prepare for snow and ice on the roadways.

The best advice for winter driving is simply to slow down and avoid unnecessary risks. In addition, if you plan to drink at holiday parties, designate a driver or make other travel arrangements. Hundreds of lives are lost each year on our highways as the result of alcohol-related crashes, and thousands of loved ones are left to grieve. The Patrol aims to save lives on Ohio’s highways by reducing the crime of DUI in Ohio.

As always, wear a safety belt to reduce the risk of serious injury or death in a crash. Buckling up only takes a couple of seconds, but it could mean the difference between life and death. Society as a whole is affected by safety belt usage. Insurance and health care costs are significantly higher for crash victims who break the law by not wearing a safety belt. Health care providers spend valuable time and resources caring for patients who could have easily prevented or reduced their injuries with a click of their safety belt. In addition, priceless lives are lost.

As winter approaches, be sure your vehicle is prepared for winter travel by following your vehicle’s suggested manufacturer maintenance schedule and ensure the brakes and transmission are working properly. Regularly check the wipers, tires, lights, and fluid levels and apply lock lubricant on door and trunk locks to prevent freezing.

The Patrol recommends having a winter car kit in your vehicle because, despite the most careful planning, vehicle breakdowns do occur. Winter car kit items should include: jumper cables; flares or roadway reflectors; flashlight and extra batteries; windshield washer fluid; small shovel; ice scraper; antifreeze; instant tire inflater; blanket; non-perishable foods; candle; matches; "help" sign; and a first-aid kit.

There are several things to do in the event of a vehicle breakdown in winter weather. Pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible, open the hood, and turn on hazard lights. Place a "help" sign in the rear window, and stay inside the vehicle until help arrives.

Safety should always be a priority when traveling in a motor vehicle. During winter weather, increased attention to safe driving techniques is critical. The Patrol has a few tips for drivers to help keep Ohio roadways safe in the winter months to come.

• Greater following distances and slower speeds are important in winter weather because icy roadways can triple stopping distances. On ice or snow-covered roads, be sure to accelerate slowly to prevent traction loss. Passing lanes are not typically maintained as well as driving lanes during bad weather, so it is important to pass with care.
• Ice on the roads may not always be visible, and the smallest patch can pose a big problem. If your vehicle begins to skid, resist the temptation to hit the brakes. Instead, take your foot off the gas pedal and steer into the direction of the skid.
• A skid can result in a complete loss of vehicle control, which could lead to an injury-causing crash. Skids are not always preventable, so it is as important as ever to always wear your safety belt
• Remember to call the Patrol toll-free at 1-877-7-PATROL to report disabled vehicles, or for assistance if your vehicle is broken down.

Check the Patrol's toll-free road and weather conditions hotline at 1-888-2OH-ROAD (1-888-264-7623) for current travel conditions for major routes and all Ohio counties. The Patrol’s Web site at www.state.oh.us/ohiostatepatrol is also a helpful resource. Several road and weather information links are available to help motorists plan the safest routes and times to travel.

It’s about safety.