201312.19
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Stay Safe This Winter with These Ohio Safe Driving Tips

by in Cochran News, Cochran Ohio Informational, Cochran Ohio News

With recent weather already approaching winter conditions in Ohio, it is past time to think about winter driving and how to stay safe on Ohio roads this winter. Ohio is one of the top 10 most dangerous states for winter accidents according to Icy Road Safety.com. In 2009-2010, Ohio was the sixth-most-dangerous state on the list, with 17 people killed due to bad weather conditions on the road. (November, 2013 https://icyroadsafety.com/fatalitystats.shtml)

With this in mind, Cochran Ohio would like everyone to stay safe on the road and practice safe driving. But if you do find yourself in an unfortunate Ohio auto accident in Dayton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, or Akron call our attorneys at Cochran Ohio for the support needed during this stressful time. Here are some Safe Driving Tips for Ohio Drivers.

Winter Ready Driver Safety Tips

Use snow tires or snow chains to stay safe in snow and ice (check with your local guidelines to make sure the use of chains is allowed in your city).

Keep your car tuned-up and ready to go. Check all belts, emissions, brakes, radiator, and other small systems.

If your car requires a different oil in the cold, switch it out before winter sets in. Your vehicle manual will tell you if you need to change oils.

Clean your vehicle lights and replace any that are broken or damaged.

Store an ice scraper in the car and make sure your windshield wipers are functional.

Everyday Ohio Safe Driving Tips

  • Remove any snow or ice from your windows and lights before moving.
  • Turn on your headlights with your windshield wipers. ORC 4513.03 states that vehicle drivers must have headlights on at all times when the windshield wipers are operational. (November, 2013 https://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4513.03)
  • Prevent your gas from freezing by keeping your tank half-full at all times.
  • Leave a wide space between yourself and other drivers. It can take up to 9 times longer to stop in icy conditions.
  • Watch for ice on bridges and overpasses, which can be 6 degrees colder than the rest of the road.

Driver Emergency Preparedness

Make an emergency kit for your car

  • A sleeping bag or blankets
  • Jumper cables
  • Flares
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Essential medications
  • Steel shovel
  • Warm clothing
  • Rope
  • High-energy foods (granola bars, meal replacement bars, peanut butter crackers)
  • Bottled water
  • Cell phone charger
  • Bright colored cloth (to make your vehicle noticeable)
  • Sand for traction

If your vehicle stops on the side of the road, or you get stranded in a snowstorm, do not panic. Turn off your vehicle engine to prevent emissions seeping into the car. You can turn on your vehicle for about 10 minutes every hour to warm up. Keep the exhaust pipe free of snow. Tie a bright colored cloth to your antenna. Set off a flare to alert other drivers and emergency vehicles to your presence. (November, 2013 https://www.weathersafety.ohio.gov/wintervehiclesafetytips.aspx)