Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness Winter Ice And Snow, Take It Slow!

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.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is “Working for Winter” to ensure that Ohio’s economic engine never stops running, even when snow and ice blanket our state. Whenever the first snow falls, ODOT’s crews will be ready – to make sure Ohioans can safely get to work, goods can get to market on time, and vital services are accessible all across the state.

Watch out for Blind Spots – The plow driver’s field of vision is limited. If you can’t see the plow’s side mirrors, the driver can’t see you. Stay two to three car lengths behind the plow.

Ice and Snow … Take it Slow - Snowplows travel well below the posted speed limit. Be patient. Try not to pass the plow. Watch for sudden stops or turns.

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

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

Speed - Snowplows travel below the posted speed limit. Again, be patient.

Vision – A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they don’t always see you. Keep your distance and watch for sudden stops or turns.

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. Ice and Snow… Take It Slow.

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

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.

Knowledge – Before leaving home, find out about the driving conditions by logging onto www.ohgo.com. 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 tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts and hoses regularly. A breakdown is bad on a good day, and dangerous on a bad-weather day.

Time – Leave in 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.

Ohio Department of Transportation: The standard of excellence for winter maintenance.ODOT Snow and Ice