The Ohio Department of Transportation says, ''Ice and Snow...Take It Slow.''
ODOT's statements focuses mainly on bridges and overpasses, but area motorists need to know that cold conditions, accompanied by rain and snow can be hazardous for drivers even on flat, city streets.
According to ODOT, there were 44,000 crashes on Ohio roadways last year, with 9,000 injuries and 80 deaths. One of the leading causes of crashes is driving to fast for road conditions. There are a lot of drivers out there who don't believe their heavy vehicles will slide on icy roads, but ice is ice and it doesn't matter if your vehicle is two-wheel, front-wheel or four-wheel drive. You will slide if you go too fast. Slow down and you have a better chance of maintaining control if your vehicle does go into a slide.
There are a lot of people out there helping to combat bad road conditions. ODOT alone has more than 1,700 plow trucks and 3,000 drivers ready to clear ice and snow. The department also pre-treats bridges and overpasses with a brine solution that evaporates leaving a salt powder ready to work on any potential ice.
Your local communities also have plows and drivers on the ready to help drivers stay safe on roadways, but you still have to help yourself by practicing safe driving, particularly slower driving.
Basically, when you have to go out in bad weather, use your head, stay alert and take it slow.