{"id":19126,"date":"2012-01-14T03:55:17","date_gmt":"2012-01-14T08:55:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevwindependent.com\/?p=19126"},"modified":"2012-01-14T03:55:17","modified_gmt":"2012-01-14T08:55:17","slug":"odot-has-winter-driving-suggestions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thevwindependent.com\/news\/2012\/01\/14\/odot-has-winter-driving-suggestions\/","title":{"rendered":"ODOT has winter driving suggestions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Van Wert independent\/<\/strong>ODOT information<\/em><\/p>\n

As Ohioans anticipate driving in winter weather, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) says beware:\u00a0 \u201cFirst is Worst,\u201d especially on interstates and state-maintained highways, where speeds are faster and traffic volumes higher.<\/p>\n

Research shows that by the time the first winter storm hits, most motorists have forgotten their winter driving skills. ODOT\u2019s best advice when driving in winter conditions, \u201cIce & Snow, Take It Slow\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\u201cWinter driving can be challenging and unpredictable,\u201d said ODOT Director Jerry Wray. \u201cOur snowplow operators work hard treating and plowing the roads to ensure motorists have a safe commute.\u00a0 We ask that you do your part and drive appropriately for the conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although winter-related fatalities on ODOT-maintained roads decreased by more than 40 percent last year — from 34 to 19 — there were still 37,751 winter-related crashes on Ohio\u2019s roadways.<\/p>\n

With more than 65 crashes involving motorists hitting snowplows last year, ODOT reminds motorists please \u201cDon\u2019t Crowd The Plow.\u201d\u00a0 Snowplows travel well below the posted speed limit and can make sudden stops and turns — don\u2019t tailgate and if you must pass take extreme caution and beware of the snow cloud.<\/p>\n

Drivers can also do their part to be safe — whether it\u2019s the first storm or last — by following these tips:<\/p>\n