Winter Weather Driving Information and Tips:

Please be advised that Ohio Turnpike maintenance crews will be out in full force when severe winter weather conditions and rapid snowfall occurs.  During this time and when the roadway is snow covered, crews will focus primarily on clearing snow from the mainline driving lane and interchange ramps.  Crews will focus on clearing the right lane in all two-lane sections, and both the right and center lanes in three-lane sections. In the event only one lane can be maintained due to severe weather conditions, crews will focus on clearing the right lane.

Motorists should always plan ahead, allowing extra travel time and distance between vehicles.  Please always be advised to drive according to the conditions of the road and be especially cautious on ramps, bridges and overpasses.

The Ohio Turnpike Commission (OTC) Snow & Ice Program is a vital component of the OTC preparation to adequately plan and execute snow and ice operations for the upcoming winter season. Crews have been working diligently to get equipment and materials ready at the eight maintenance buildings along the 241-mile Ohio Turnpike.  This includes prepping the equipment through various tests, review of truck routes, call out procedures, training, and material inventory control.

The OTC is responsible for maintaining 1,370 lane miles, 32 interchanges, and 14 service plazas, which are prioritized for snow and ice control. The OTC mainline is the first priority during inclement weather. OTC Snow & Ice crews will clear the driving lanes first, interchanges second, and service plazas third. The OTC is committed to providing a safe and convenient roadway for customers, making the Ohio Turnpike the road of choice during the winter months.   

Additionally, the OTC would like to inform all motorists of an important revision to a law involving Ohio Public Safety Vehicles.  Revised Code (4511.213) adds road service vehicles to the “Move Over Slow Down” law.  Click HERE to view the law.

"Road service vehicle" means wreckers, utility repair vehicles, and state, county, and municipal service vehicles equipped with visual signals by means of flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights.

Motorists are reminded DON’T CROWD THE PLOW, and to give snow plows ample room to perform their duties. The equipment is often large and slow-moving, and operators must contend with limited visibility. The OTC is urging motorists to stay clear of snow plows by using the following tips:

• Distance – Give snowplows room to work. Don’t tailgate and try not to pass. If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the snow cloud.
• Speed – Snowplows travel below the posted speed limit. Be patient. Remember, when there is snow or ice on the ground, it is best to take it slow.
• Vision – A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they may not see you. Keep your distance and watch for sudden stops.

Additional things you can do to prepare for the upcoming winter weather season:

1. Prepare a winterized check list for your car, check battery, tire tread, and windshield wipers, use non-freeze windshield washer fluid, and check your antifreeze.
2. Organize a winter safety kit that should include; flashlight, jumper cables, snow brush and ice scraper, warning devices (like flares) and blankets. For long trips, add food and water, any of your medications and a fully-charged cell phone.
3. Make sure to thoroughly clean excess snow and ice from your vehicle before driving.
4. Be sure you have ample washer fluid and possibly even an extra bottle in your car.
5. Keep your lights and windshield clean of excess snow or road salt.
6. Increase your visibility to other motorists by keeping your lights on. 
7. Decrease your speed and leave plenty of room for yourself to stop.
8. Keep extra distance between your vehicle and others.  At least one car length for every 10 MPH.
9. Avoid heavy braking, brake lightly to avoid skidding.
10. Don't use cruise control or overdrive on wintery roads.
11. Use caution when traveling on bridges or overpasses which will freeze first.
12. Make sure to slow down or move over when approaching a Maintenance vehicle, it’s the law.
13. Don't pass snow plows or salt trucks during inclement weather. The drivers have limited visibility, and there is a great possibility that the conditions in front of them may be worse than the conditions behind them.
14. Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on snow-covered roads.
15. Always be alert to your surroundings and fellow motorists, a safe driver is a defensive driver.