News & Tips

  Slippery When Wet

First Snow or Ice – Drivers usually aren’t prepared for winter driving and forget to take it slow. Remember to drive well below the posted speed limit and leave plenty of room between vehicles.

Black Ice – Roads that seem dry may actually be slippery and dangerous. Take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady areas. All are hot spots for black ice. Remember, Ice and Snow … Take It Slow.

Limited Visibility – Stay attentive and reduce your speed. Know what’s going on around you.

  Safety Around Snowplows

Distance – Give snowplows room to work. The plows are wide and can cross the centerline or shoulder. Don’t tailgate or try to pass. If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the snow cloud.

Vision – A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. If you cannot see the plow’s side mirrors, the driver cannot see you. Stay two to three car lengths behind the plow and watch for sudden stops or turns.

Ice & Snow … Take It Slow – Snowplows travel well below the posted speed limit. Be patient. Try not to pass the plow.

Beware of Snow Clouds – Snowplows often create clouds as they clear the roads. These snow clouds can reduce your ability to see.

  Proceed With Caution

Speed and Distance – The faster you’re going, the longer it will take to stop. When accelerating on snow or ice, take it slow to avoid slipping and sliding.

Brake – Brake early, brake slowly, brake correctly, and never slam on the brakes. If you have anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal. Either way, give yourself plenty of room to stop.

Control – When driving on ice and snow, do not use cruise control and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers. When merging into traffic, take it slow. Sudden movements can cause your vehicle to slide.

Vision – Be aware of what’s going on well ahead of you. Actions by other vehicles will alert you to problems more quickly and give you that split-second of extra time to react safely.

  Be Prepared

Knowledge – Before leaving home, find out about the driving conditions by logging onto www.buckeyetraffic.org. Safe drivers know the weather and their limits. If the weather is bad, remember: Ice and Snow … Take It Slow – or just don’t go.

Clear – Remove any snow on your vehicle’s windows, lights, brake lights and signals. Make sure you can see and be seen.

Inspect – Check your vehicle’s tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts and hoses. A breakdown is bad on a good day and dangerous on a bad-weather day.

Time – Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely. It’s not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.