The snowstorm that dropped up to a foot of snow on parts of Geauga County the morning and afternoon of Jan. 3 caused at least 35 weather-related accidents, according to the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office blotter.
The snowstorm that dropped up to a foot of snow on parts of Geauga County the morning and afternoon of Jan. 3 caused at least 35 weather-related accidents, according to the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office blotter.
Fortunately, most individuals caught on the road during the storm got where they were going without incident — eventually.
Chief Deputy Tom Rowan said there is often a delayed adjustment drivers have to snow storms.
“Typically, when we get snow, people don’t adjust quickly to the driving required,” he said, adding, however, the 35 calls during the snow “wasn’t a major issue” for them to handle.
Rowan urged drivers to prepare for winter weather by making sure the tires of their vehicles are in good shape, echoing advice from the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Governor Mike DeWine, who advised people in a recent press release to slow down.
“Snowy, icy weather is a fact of life in Ohio,” DeWine said. “If you have to travel when the weather is bad, it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going so you can take it slow.”
The winter of 2023-2024 was fairly mild, but the wrecks piled up across the state.
There were 8,104 crashes on snow, ice or slush-covered roads in Ohio. Of those crashes, 15 were fatal, resulting in 15 deaths, OSHP said in the release.
“Many of these crashes are avoidable if drivers would slow down and leave extra distance between them and the vehicle ahead,” the patrol said.
According to last year’s stats, 21% of crashes on snow, ice or slush-covered roads were the result of an unsafe speed by the at-fault driver. Patrol statistics also show that 13% of crashes were caused by a driver following too closely to the vehicle ahead.
“Safety is especially important during inclement weather,” said Col. Charles A. Jones, OSHP superintendent, in the release. “Motorists are encouraged to slow down and use extra caution. Leaving more space between vehicles and staying patient can help ensure a safer trip for everyone.”
Safety measures include leaving headlights on when using windshield wipers, per state law; clearing the tailpipe of a vehicle stuck in the snow to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning; and putting on flashers if your car stalls out, according to OSHP.
“If your vehicle breaks down or you are involved in a crash, turn on your hazard lights, safely move your vehicle as far off the roadway as possible, remain in the vehicle and safely call #677 or 9-1-1,” Jones said in the release.
Vehicles should also be stocked with a winter car kit that includes an ice scraper, shovel, jumper cables, flashlight, warning devices, blankets, cell phone charger, first-aid kit, tow rope, water and food for longer trips, he said.
Tires should have plenty of tread, the battery should be well-charged and the windshield washer reservoir full.
Drivers leaving the area can visit www.ohgo.com/ for real-time traffic conditions from the Ohio Department of Transportation.
