The dangers of being a winter Road Warrior: Help keep our ODOT members safe

The Ohio Department of Transportation announced this week that fifteen (yes, 15!) ODOT snowplows have been hit since the start of 2024. Our union brother and sister winter Road Warriors have been working around the clock in inclement weather to keep our roads clear and safe for travel. But the dangers associated with keeping us safe are astronomical. We must all do our part to keep them safe and make sure they make it home to their families every time!

Here are just a few tips the traveling public can follow to keep our OCSEA brothers and sisters in ODOT safe:

Don't Crowd the Plow:

• Don’t follow too closely behind a snowplow — stay at least 200 feet behind it. 
• Never pass a snowplow on the right. 
• Be aware of where the plows are on the road, and never drive through a snow cloud. 
• Be aware of the driver’s blind spots.

Avoid Distracted Driving:

• NEVER text while driving. 
• Turn your phone off or switch to silent mode before you get in the car. 
• Refrain from smoking, eating, drinking, reading, switching the radio or any other activity that takes your mind and eyes off the road. 
• Pull over if you need to make a call or are distracted by those in your car. 
• NEVER drive while tired or drowsy. 
• Plan ahead to know where you're going and be familiar with directions before leaving.

Slow Down and Move Over:

• Immediately slow down and move over a lane when you see ANY flashing lights. 
• If you can't move over safely, SLOW down with caution. 
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. 
• Avoid fines, save a life. It's the LAW! Ohio law requires all drivers to move over one lane passing by any vehicle with flashing or rotating lights parked on the roadside. You will be pulled over for violating this law!