Snowfall may make dangerous roads

FINDLAY — Meteorologists across the state are predicting another dumping of snow and dangerous temperatures this weekend and local area law enforcement are urging people to stay safe when traveling. As of Friday afternoon, the National Weather Service had issued a winter storm warning for Hancock, Ottawa and Sandusky counties. The storm is projected to start Saturday evening and continue into the early hours of Monday. In preparation for the oncoming hazardous weather, local law enforcement are urging people to only travel if necessary and to stay cautious of changing weather conditions. If drivers feel the need to go out in bad weather, Findlay Police Lieutenant Andrew Welch advises preparing for the worst. "Keep a blanket in the vehicle, a flashlight and snacks and water," he said. "Just in case they get stuck or go off the road." He also said to heed weather warnings as often as possible. Chief Deputy Tom Walker at the Hancock County Sheriff's Office said even candy could be lifesaving if a driver is stranded in the snow. He also recommends starting the trip with at least half a tank of fuel, a fully-charged cellphone with a charger and a bag of cat litter or sand to help with traction, when necessary. The most important thing drivers can do in dangerous weather conditions is drive carefully. "The most effective precaution is slowing down," Walker said. "We cannot drive the same speed limits and in the same manner as we do on dry pavement … Ice is unforgiving, especially when it's hidden under snow or transparent on the roadway." Welch agreed: "The weather doesn't discriminate," he said. "It does not care if you are a new driver or a seasoned driver, bad weather causes problems for everyone." He continued: "Most often drivers push the limits when the snow starts," he said. "A lot of the time in our area the winter weather starts with rain or a 'wet' snow. The temperature generally hovers around the freezing mark and drops rapidly below the point of freezing. Drivers don't pay attention until the freeze starts." Both say it's important to leave extra time before traveling to clear the vehicle of snow and ice and check the condition of the vehicle. "Scraping car windows and removing snow from hood and headlights of vehicles are often skipped to save time," Welch said. "Allow yourself an extra five minutes in the mornings to ensure you can do this small thing. It will make the commute much safer for everyone." Not clearing the vehicle completely could also cause extra blind spots, which can cause crashes. When a driver hits ice, the first instinct may be to hit the brakes. Both Walker and Welch say this is not the best course of action. Welch warns that hitting the brakes of a vehicle sliding on ice will cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, something that could be difficult to regain. Walker states the best course of action is to simply let off of the accelerator. "Steer into the fishtail," he said. "If the rear of the vehicle starts to come around the right side, turn your wheels to the right to help correct, and vice-versa for the left." If residents are involved in a crash during dangerous weather conditions, it's best to stay in the vehicle and leave it where it is, when safe to do so. If not safe, Welch says to move the vehicles to a nearby parking lot so they are out of the roadway. "Be sure you and your passengers are OK and immediately call 911 to get help coming your way," Walker said. "It is recommended you stay in your vehicle until law enforcement arrives," Welch said. When law enforcement arrives at the scene of a crash during hazardous road conditions, Welch and Walker say first responder personnel and community safety is important. First responders must stay vigilant. "Often we see motorists passing the scene, paying more attention to the accident than the vehicle they are driving," Welch said. "Officers have to be ready to get themselves and potentially others out of harm's way." He also said officers get more "check-ups" from supervisors and dispatchers during dangerous weather conditions to ensure their own safety when responding to emergencies. "Officers must make sure to respond to the calls safely," he said. "No matter how bad the call is, if the officer doesn't respond safely and they get in an accident themselves," they won't be helpful for someone else's emergency. When passing a crash on a roadway, residents are urged to move over when possible and slow down. When asked about misconceptions about winter weather, Welch said that no announced snow emergency levels does not mean conditions are safe; Walker said big four-wheel-drive vehicles can slide on ice, too. The key to winter weather safety is allowing more time for travel, slowing down and staying vigilant of changing conditions. For weather and emergency updates, the Hancock County Sheriff's Office recently released an app to increase public awareness and disperse community warnings. "This is an excellent source of firsthand public information, including weather and emergency updates," Walker said. The app is free and without subscription and can be downloaded from both the Apple app store and Google Play store by searching for the Hancock County Sheriff's Office. A QR code is also attached to the digital version of this story.