LUCAS COUNTY, Ohio — Lucas County Engineer Mike Pniewski said his office has prepared for Monday and Tuesday's icy conditions by having trucks out putting salt on the streets.
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"You really lose traction on there, and it becomes more like a skating rink. You really don't need a lot of ice to lose traction on tires," Pniewski said. "We go out there and salt. Put as much salt out there as we can before the storm occurs. Then when the storm does occur, our trucks will be out there continuing to apply salt to prevent that ice from acclimating."
The same goes for the Ohio Department of Transportation, said ODOT Public Information Officer Kelsie Hoagland.
"Unpredictable elements," Hoagland said of the conditions. "Sometimes it can be difficult to prepare for. But the crews are out and ready, so we do have our boots on the ground."
With more than 10 snow plows being hit by drivers so far this year, ODOT is urging drivers to be cautious to prevent these crashes.
"Our trucks drive at a slower rate than what is typical for a car, so that is important to know, especially if you're approaching one of our crews who are out trying to treat the roadway for your commute to be safer," Hoagland said. "Please watch out for them because especially on the interstate, they are going significantly slower than you."
Hoagland suggests drivers stay home unless it is necessary to go somewhere.
"Keep in mind, leave as early as possible," she said. "If it's a trip that is for the heck of it and might not need to take that trip on that particular day, it might be best to save that trip for a future day so you don't have to go out in these elements that are unpredictable."
Pniewski said to be careful as you drive and to keep your car's speed down.
"Slow down, try to stop well before you have to stop, because what you don't want to do is start sliding into intersections where you really get those kinds of injuries that we try to avoid," he said.
AAA is offering safety tips for driving in icy conditions:
- Be sure to remove all snow from vehicle including roof, hood and trunk
- Slow down and do not tailgate
- Never use Cruise control on slippery roads
- Avoid unnecessary lane changes which could increase chances of hitting a patch of ice
- Minimize the need to brake on ice by reducing your speed as you approach a stop sign or traffic light