ODOT: Drive safely on New Year’s Eve

Van Wert independent/ODOT information

COLUMBUS – On this New Year’s Eve – as Ohioans look forward to 2011 – Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) safety experts ask motorists to look ahead while driving to avoid rear-end collisions, the leading cause of crashes in Ohio.

According to the ODOT safety analysis of the first nine months of this year, there have been 237,374 crashes on Ohio roadways – with nearly one out of four crashes caused by motorists following too close. 

Although safety has improved on Ohio’s roadways – with 2009 being the safest year on record – ODOT safety experts say the number of crashes in Ohio can continue to be reduced by changing driver behavior. As motorists look ahead in 2011, ODOT safety experts recommend these tips to help prevent crashes:

Back Off – Ohio law states motorists should leave one car length between their car and the car in front of them for every 10 mph of speed. Trucks should allow even more space.

See the Light – If there is a need to turn on windshield wipers, turn on headlights as well. Ohio law now requires drivers to turn on vehicles’ headlights whenever windshield wipers are in operation due to any type of precipitation.

Look Up, Hang Up – Be aware of one’s surroundings and avoid distractions, such as cell phones. Watch for construction zones, snowplow trucks, and pedestrians. ODOT reminds motorists to KNO B4 U GO by visiting ODOT’s premiere website, www.BuckeyeTraffic.org, which offers up-to-the-minute information on work zone locations, traffic congestion alerts, road closures, weather conditions, and Highway Patrol accident updates 24-hours a day, seven days a week.