How to Avoid Ohio Snow Plow Accidents This Winter Season

With Ohio weather shaping up to be challenging this winter, Ohio snow plow accidents are more likely

Each year, Ohio sees about 30 to 50 inches of snowfall. That accumulation of snow is removed after each snowfall by snow plows and other maintenance equipment to keep Ohio drivers safe on the roads each day. Although Ohio snow plow crash statistics have shown that there have been no collisions with snow plows in Ohio over the past few years, the icy conditions of the road during times of snow mean that when snow plows are out, the roads are at their most dangerous. Use the tips in this article to help you stay safe on the road with snow plows and other maintenance vehicles.

Ohio Maintenance Vehicle and Snow Plow Crash Statistics

Drivers have avoided many Ohio snow plow accidents with and road maintenance vehicles and plows in the past few years. In 2011, there were no collisions with maintenance vehicles of any kind. In 2010, there were 8 crashes involving work zone maintenance vehicles with no injuries. In 2009, there were 25 crashes involving maintenance vehicles and 5 injuries. The reduction in accidents with road maintenance vehicles is likely due to efforts of the Ohio Department of to increase awareness about maintenance vehicles on the road, including the “Ice and Snow… Take it Slow” campaign started in 2007, which aims to increase driving awareness of other vehicles on the road during icy conditions, including maintenance vehicles like snow plows. (December 2013 https://www.publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/2011CrashFacts.pdf https://www.publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/2010CrashFacts.pdf https://publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/2009CrashFacts.pdf https://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Operations/Maintenance/SnowandIce/Snow%20and%20Ice%20Best%20Practices/ODOT%20Snow%20and%20Ice%20Practices%20March%202011.pdf)

Snow Plow Road Safety Tips

If you want to avoid becoming one of the snow plow crash statistics, follow these safety tips to keep safe on the road and avoid crashing with an Ohio snow plow.

• Slow down as soon as you see a snow plow. Generally, a snow plow travels less than 30 miles an hour. It can take extra time to slow on icy roads. Most accidents occur when a vehicle bumps into the back of a snow plow after slipping on ice.
• Stay behind a snowplow, when possible. If you must go around one, do so carefully. Their visibility is poor, and snow or ice tossed up by the plow could damage your vehicles. Always pass on the left to avoid the wing plow on the right side of the snowplow. Never pass a snowplow in a snow cloud.
• Watch for plows during snow and bad weather. A plow could be on any section of road during inclement weather. Pay special attention around on and off ramps, and on highway crossovers.

Follow these tips to avoid Ohio auto accidents with snowplows and other maintenance vehicles on Ohio roadways. [December 2013, https://www.transportation.nebras]