The Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are advising drivers to take precautions as a significant winter storm approaches. Officials emphasize the importance of adjusting speed, being aware of black ice, maintaining distance from plows, and preparing vehicles with emergency supplies. Last winter saw a significant increase in weather-related crashes, highlighting the need for safety measures.
With a significant winter storm on the horizon, the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are advising drivers on how to stay safe. OSHP officials are emphasizing that speeding is the leading cause of weather-related crashes, urging drivers to adjust their speed according to road conditions .
"If you've lived in Ohio any period of time, you know how to drive in snow and you know that you got to go slow," ODOT Press Secretary Matt Bruning said. "These are all reminders and we're not breaking news here.""We are recommending this weekend that everyone make the best decision for themselves when deciding whether or not to go out in the conditions," OSHP spokesman Lt. Brice Nihiser said. "It's projected to be pretty bad. So we're just urging everyone, if you do have to go out, make sure you're safe." ODOT also is warning drivers to be vigilant for black ice, and to maintain a safe distance from plow trucks to allow them to operate safely. Last winter saw nearly 16,000 crashes on roads covered in either snow, ice or slush, double the number from the previous winter. Of those crashes, 17 people were killed. Drivers should plan for longer travel times and ensure their vehicles are equipped with essential supplies. "In case of an emergency, make sure you have jumper cables, blankets, clothes, and food," Nihiser added. "If you do get a crash and there's heavy snow, it may be a while before first responders can get to you."Crews have been checking equipment and pre-treating roads in preparation for the storm. ODOT said roughly 1,000 plows will hit the roads statewide. "We have about 3,000 men and women ready to drive those plows on 12- to 16-hour shifts," Bruning added. "We're staffed up, we're ready to go. We just need people to be patient and try to stay home.""Anybody who drives out there sees it," Bruning said. "Somebody in their big four-wheel drive thinks they're invincible and they're not. Snow and ice is a great equalizer. You might be able to go fast in it, but you're not going to stop fast in it.""If you do have to go out, make sure you're safe," Nihiser added. "But if you don't have to go out, it may be a good weekend to just stay home and look at the snow outside your window."A major winter storm is set to hit a large part of the eastern U.S. and it's drawing a bullseye on parts of Ohio.The forecast from the ABC 6 weather experts areWith the potential for winter weather moving into central Ohio this weekend, residents are starting to prepare for possible snow, ice, and cold conditions.Brisk winds today, with scattered light snow/mix showers today and this evening. Frigid air returns heading into the weekend, with heavy snow on Sunday.Cam fastens his EATbelt and lights up his taste buds at SmokeOut BBQ in Pickerington - where it's all wood fire all the time.A single car crash on Thursday morning led to an exit in central Columbus to be closed down for the time being.
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