Monday, January 2, 2012 – High winds and persistent snow squall bands are the perfect combination for white-out conditions.  Nearly 80 Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) snowplows in Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties are giving it their all to keep the roads clear of ice and snow.  However, those squalls continue to make driving difficult for motorists and snowplow operators alike. 

Motorists can be driving along in clear conditions and one minute later find themselves in the middle of white-out conditions where visibility is zero.  These same conditions exist for ODOT snowplow operators who must continuously revisit the same locations on their routes to remove snow and ice from the roadways due to snow squalls.  Conditions will change mile by mile and minute by minute.  It is very important that everyone on the road is prepared for any and all driving conditions.

Snowplow operators are working 12-hour shifts to make sure interstates, state and U.S. routes, ramps and bridges are safe and passable.  With snow expected to continue throughout the overnight hours into the morning commute motorists are encouraged to:

·         Slow down;

·         Allow for extra travel time;

·         Keep extra distance between their vehicle and motorists in front of them; and

·         Don't crowd the plow.  Give them extra room to work so the roadways are safe and passable.

ODOT strongly encourages motorists to visit www.BuckeyeTraffic.org before heading out today and always!  Here drivers can find updated road and weather conditions before hitting the road by viewing road and weather sensors, traffic cameras and traffic speeds on their route.