This winter weather has been a bust so far, but you all know that we're going to get blasted eventually, and there's nothing better than being prepared.
Ohio Highway Patrol reports from December 2010 through March 2011, 37,429 crashes happened on snow, ice or slush covered roads, killing 46 people and injuring 7,844. Speed was reported as the main cause in 77 percent of these crashes.
The state Highway Patrol and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have offered some tips for driving safely in the snow and items you should keep in your car in case of an emergency.
• Allow extra time to get to your destination, maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the traffic ahead, pay close attention to bridges and overpasses because they freeze first.
• If your car breaks down, turn on your hazard warning lights, get your car as far off the road as possible and call 1-877-7-PATROL for help. Stay in your car until help arrives.
• Stock your car with the following items in case you are stranded:cell phone with car charger, road flares or reflectors, "help" or "call police" signs, first aid kit, flashlight, blanket/sleeping bag, small shovel, bottled water and energy foods, candles and matches, tow strap/chain, rock salt, and sand for traction.
• Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
• Get updates on traffic and weather before you head out by checking the Ohio Department of Transportation's website.
- If you don't know how to drive on snow or ice covered roads, go practice in an empty parking lot NOT on the road with MY car. - If you are late and in a hurry, CALL IN and let them know you will be late. DON'T rush and cause an accident because of bad choices you made. - pick a lane and stay in it. Jumping back and forth ups the risk you put to yourself and others. - if you should get in an accident do to slipping, DON'T get immediately out of your car unless your car is a hazard. It is very likely that if you slipped others will too and you should wait until all the cars around you are stopped. Ok, there are my 5 tips for driving in snow