ODOT offers tips for New Year’s weekend

Van Wert independent/ODOT information

COLUMBUS — As Ohioans ring in the new year this weekend, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) reminds motorists to drive sober, don’t rush, and avoid distractions.

“The New Year’s Holiday has the most alcohol-related crashes of the six major travel holidays,” said ODOT Director Jerry Wray. “Of all the crash types, alcohol use is the most preventable.”

More than 1,700 crashes occurred on Ohio highways over the three-day New Year’s Holiday last year resulting in 602 injuries and 8 fatalities; 75 percent of the New Year’s fatalities were alcohol-related.

ODOT safety experts also recommend these tips to help prevent crashes:

• Don’t Rush — Leave plenty of time to arrive at your destination as well as space between your car and the one in front of you. 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.
• Avoid Distractions — Be mindful of construction zones, snowplow trucks, and pedestrians. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions, such as cell phones.

During the winter, conditions on the road can change mile-by-mile, minute-by-minute. Being a careful, informed, and sober driver is the best way motorists can travel safely. ODOT’s traffic website www.BuckeyeTraffic.org offers up-to-the-minute highway information on weather and road conditions, road closures, accident updates and traffic congestion alerts.