Wintery mixes will soon be here and keeping a few guidelines in mind can help prevent a roadway disaster.
Top tips include allowing extras travel time, increasing the following distance, accelerating and decelerating slowly, and to avoid cruise control.
Ohio State Highway Patrol New Philadelphia Post Lt. Johnnie Maier adds to inside the vehicle a seasonal emergency kit.
“Some safety kits, some gloves, maybe a winter hat, things like that so that if they do become stranded on the roadway, they can protect themselves from the elements and the traffic.”
Checking batteries and tire pressure should also be done when the temperature drops, and if something happens along the road, Maier says folks can dial #677 to get in contact with the nearest OSP post.
“And we can get a trooper out to where they might have broke down and help them change that tire and get on their way, help them get to a gas station and get some fuel, or whatever those kinds of needs are. We’re here for that as well and we do a lot of that every day.”
Things to do before driving include cleaning off windows, mirrors, and vehicle sensors, this can be from ice, snow, or dirt. Maier stress to never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed space due to the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning.
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