Ohio’s winter weather can increase driving risks on our roadways. During the winter driving months it is critical for drivers to prepare for snow and ice on the roadways.
When traveling in a motor vehicle, safety should always be a priority. During the winter months, attention to safe-driving techniques is critical. It is helpful to practice winter driving techniques in an empty parking lot, so you are familiar with how your car handles. The Ohio State Highway Patrol has a few pointers for drivers to help keep Ohio roadways safe during the winter months.
Increased following distances and slower speeds are important in winter weather because icy roadways can triple stopping distances. Decrease your speed and leave enough room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the person in front of you. Brake slowly to avoid skidding on icy roads, and accelerate slowly to prevent traction loss. Pass other vehicles with care; not all lanes are maintained as well in winter during bad weather.
Keep your lights and windshield clean because ice on the roads may not always be visible, but a small patch can pose as a big problem.
If your vehicle begins to slide, do not hit the brakes. Instead, take your foot off the gas pedal and steer into the direction of the slide. A slide can result in a complete loss of vehicle control, which could lead to an injury-causing crash.
To reduce the risk of a serious injury or death in a crash, always wear a safety belt. Buckling your safety belt only takes a couple seconds, but it could mean the difference between life and death.
When thinking about taking a trip during a winter storm, make sure the trip is necessary. If the trip cannot be delayed or cancelled, make sure to check the road and weather conditions along the route before leaving.
Before leaving on any road trip, make sure to let someone know the details of your trip, involving destination, anticipated travel routes, and expected arrival time. Call that individual once you have arrived at your destination.
It is also very important to prepare your vehicle for winter travel. Make sure your tires are ready for snow and ice, and follow your vehicle’s suggested manufacturer maintenance schedule, including making sure the brakes and transmission are working appropriately. Regularly check the wipers, tires, lights, and fluid levels and apply lock lubricant on door and trunk locks to prevent from freezing.
It is also a good idea to keep a winter car kit in your vehicle. Despite the most careful planning, vehicle breakdowns do occur. Winter car kit items should include jumper cable s, flares or roadway reflectors, flashlight with extra batteries, windshield washer fluid, small shovel, ice scraper, antifreeze, instant tire inflator, blanket, non-perishable foods, candle, matches, “help” sign, and a first aid kit.
In the event of a vehicle breakdown in winter weather, there are several things to do. Pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible, open the hood, and turn on hazard lights. Put a “help” sign in the rear window, and stay inside of the vehicle until help arrives.
Do not leave your car to walk in search of help during a winter storm. The risk of getting caught in the storm or getting into a dangerous situation is too high. It is much safer to wait in your vehicle until assistance arrives.
Remember to call the Patrol toll-free at 1-877-7-Patrol to report disabled vehicles, or for assistance if your vehicle has broken down. The Patrols website is also a helpful resource. Road and weather information is available to help motorists to plan the safest routes and times to travel.