Winter is here, and that can mean that the roads are dangerous in Northeast Ohio. People in Ohio got the white Christmas that the season tends to see, but that snowfall led to dangerous, slick streets.
On Dec. 24, news about the weather also pointed out how many accidents were happening. With sleet and snow mixing together, the rapidly changing road conditions made it dangerous for even the safest drivers.
According to the news, one three-car crash happened on State Route 176 and sent a woman to the hospital by ambulance. The emergency medical crews reported being “slammed” as they quickly went from one crash to the next. Freezing rain and snow continued to mix through Christmas Day.
Salting the roads helps, but not soon enough
Although the highways were salted and trucks were out to plow, motorists on the interstates were sometimes moving as slowly as 20 mph. In some areas on Interstate 90 and Interstate 77, the snow was falling so hard and fast that there was a complete whiteout.
Weather-related accidents aren’t uncommon when snow and ice make their way through Ohio, but there are steps you can take to avoid them. To help yourself and others:
- Check the weather before you head out. Whiteout conditions are dangerous, so avoid leaving home when they’re happening or are imminent.
- Maintain your vehicle. In the case that you do get trapped in the snow, you want to have plenty of gas and emergency items, like blankets and snacks. Check your tires for good tread, or switch to winter tires.
- Slow down or pull over if the roads are slick and you don’t feel in control of your vehicle. Put on your hazard lights if you stop.
If a crash does happen, call 911 and stay where you are. Emergency crews may take longer to arrive, so do your best to help anyone who’s injured. After your immediate needs are managed, an experienced advocate can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and other losses.