New Philadelphia, Ohio (Thursday, February 4, 2010) – With a major winter storm taking shape from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic, carrying with it the two main ingredients – moisture and cold – for significant snowfall accumulations across eastern Ohio, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 11 is reminding motorists to give snow plows room to work.

A Winter Storm Warning in effect for most of eastern Ohio until late Saturday evening is predicting snowfall accumulations of up to eight inches.

In District 11, as many as 120 snowplow trucks and over 200 drivers will be on state, U.S. and interstate routes at any given time over the next few days. The equipment is large and slow-moving, and operators must contend with limited visibility.

So far this winter, nine accidents have resulted in District 11 from motorists hitting ODOT snowplow trucks.

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

• Distance – Give snowplows and graders room to work. Don’t tailgate and try not to pass. If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the snow cloud. Also slow down for oncoming snowplows; snowplows plow far and wide – sometimes very wide.
• Speed – Snowplows and graders travel below the posted speed limit. Be patient. Ice and Snow…Take it Slow.
• Vision – A snowplow or grader 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.

"Forecasters have also suggested blowing and drifting snow may be likely on Friday night which reduces visibility and can cause travel conditions to change from mile to mile, so remember, Ice and snow… take it slow," said Bible.

###

Becky Giauque \Jee-awg\, Public Information Officer, at (330) 308-3949