Don’t Crowd the Plow: ODOT Reminds
Motorists to Give Snow Plows Room to Work
More winter weather forecast to impact Friday drive times
 

COLUMBUS (March 7, 2008) – With weather forecasters predicting another round of ice and snow to hit much of Ohio Friday and Saturday, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is reminding motorists to give snow plows room to work, especially during the morning and afternoon ‘rush hour’ drive times.

Statewide, as many as 1,800 ODOT snowplow trucks and graders will be on state, U.S. and interstate routes at any given time. The equipment is often large and slow-moving, and operators must contend with limited visibility.

This winter season, four fatalities have resulted from motorists hitting ODOT snowplow trucks.

ODOT safety experts urge motorists to stay clear of snowplows and graters by using the following tips:

• Distance – Give snowplows and graters room to work. Don’t tailgate and try not to pass. If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the snow cloud.
• Speed – Snowplows and graters travel below the posted speed limit. Be patient. Ice and Snow…Take it Slow.
• Vision – A snowplow or grater 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.

UPDATE ON ODOT SALT SUPPLIES:

Although ODOT has used more than 850,000 tons of salt this winter - 200,000 tons more than the yearly average - the state’s salt barns are stocked with more than 170,000 tons of salt statewide, an adequate supply for the expected winter weather. Over the past two weeks, ODOT crews have been shifting resources where most needed, moving salt from southern Ohio to harder-hit northern Ohio in preparation of this weekend’s storm

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.