All signs of spring will soon be covered in snow

GARFIELD HEIGHTS (Thursday, March 10, 2011) – Spring may be knocking on the front door of Northeast Ohio, but old man winter isn’t ready to let her in and snowplows drivers for the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) are preparing for a late season winter blast.

Rain is expected to continue throughout the morning and afternoon.  ODOT crews will continue to watch the forecast to see what is headed our way and use this time to prepare ice and snow removal equipment, restock salt domes and patrol for high water which could become icy.

No matter how much snow falls this time around, ODOT is committed to helping drivers reach their destinations safely and will continue working to clear the roads around the clock, even after the last flake falls.

Preparation for winter weather is key for ODOT and motorists alike.  Northeast Ohioan’s may have spring fever, as we are nearing the middle of March, but it is important to remember these winter driving skills:

• In Ice and Snow…Take it Slow;
  
• Brake early, slowly and correctly.  Never slam on the brakes;
  
• When merging into traffic avoid abrupt steering maneuvers; and
  
• Be aware of what’s going on well ahead of you.

Motorists can KNO B4 U GO by logging on to ODOT’s premier traffic Web site www.BuckeyeTraffic.org.  With its user-friendly, map-based features users can get up-to-date traffic information and 24-hour road conditions across the state.  Through Twitter.com, ODOT offers instant information on winter conditions along interstates and highways in the greater Cleveland region to motorists who follow @ODOT_Cleveland.

Remember: Don’t Crowd the Plow!

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For more information contact:
The ODOT District 12 Communications Office at (216) 584-2006

or email D12.PublicInformation@dot.state.oh.us