COLUMBUS (February
19,
2008) – With nearly 275,000 tons of salt on hand and more on the way,
the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) stands ready to battle
the next winter storm, which is expected to move through Ohio tonight
and tomorrow.
Ohio has used salt since the 1930s as the number one weapon to battle
ice and snow on roads and highways. Even as decades pass, it remains
the most efficient, cost-effective means to keep highways safe and
passable.
On average, ODOT uses 650,000 tons of salt each winter season. As of
Feb. 19, ODOT had used 600,000 tons of salt around the state.
Winter conditions call for different driving tactics. ODOT’s message
of ‘Ice and Snow…Take it Slow’ means slower speeds, slower
acceleration, slower steering, and slower braking.
ODOT’s highway safety experts say when it snows, use your head not
your feet. Slow down for wet, snowy, or icy conditions; when
visibility is poor; or when conditions are changing or unpredictable.
Don’t turn your vehicle into an ‘off-road vehicle’ by driving too fast
for the conditions.
Motorists can learn about up-to-date closures and delays before
leaving home or work by logging on to
www.buckeyetraffic.org.
The site was recently upgraded to include the latest mapping
technology, allowing motorists to view road conditions, construction
information, live traffic cameras, and events that may affect their
travel.
During the recent Feb. 12 snowstorm, Buckeye Traffic was hit more than
5 million times – the highest single-day usage in the site’s history.
If the weather is bad, remember, Ice and Snow…Take it Slow… or Just
Don’t Go.
