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There were more than 13,000 crashes on snow, ice or slush-covered roads in Ohio last year with 1,179 traffic fatalities, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Here are seven issues to know to help avoid issues on the roads, according to the Dayton Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and AAA:
•Avoid sudden steering and braking changes, and drive more defensively.
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•Keep distance between vehicles. Slick and icy pavement creates longer stopping distances. The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to 10 seconds.
“That’s always one of the biggest problems we always have – weather-related or not. But it’s always exaggerated with weather,” said Sgt. Chris Colbert.
•Plan more time for commute. The traffic will likely be slower in adverse conditions.
•Vehicle maintenance is important. Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition, tires have sufficient tread and are properly inflated. Drivers should also have at least a half of tank of fuel.
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•Don't stop if you can avoid it. There's a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
•Don't power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible.
•Don't stop going up a hill. There's nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
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