Author: FFP Ai Bot

Illustration: The Fostoria Free Press.

NORTHWEST OHIO- Flat, open farmland means northwest Ohio roads can drift shut fast once the wind picks up. Before the first real snow, here is what federal and state safety officials say about getting your car and yourself ready.

The stakes are real. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that in 2023 there were 320 fatal crashes and about 22,293 injury crashes nationally in snow or sleet, among about 101,390 police-reported crashes in those conditions.

Get the car ready

NHTSA’s winter driving tips recommend:

• Battery: Have it checked before winter.
• Tires: Check pressure using the number on the label inside the driver’s door frame, not the number on the tire sidewall. Pressure drops as temperatures fall. Tread should be at least 2/32 of an inch; NHTSA notes deeper tread is better in snow.
• Wipers and fluid: Replace worn wiper blades and fill up with winter washer fluid.
• Gas: Keep the tank close to full.

Pack an emergency kit

NHTSA suggests keeping these in the car: a snow shovel, broom and ice scraper; sand or kitty litter for traction; jumper cables; a flashlight; flares or reflective triangles; a first aid kit; blankets; a phone charger; and water, food and any needed medicine.

On the road

• Slow down. Give yourself more time and more room to stop.
• Know your brakes. NHTSA says if your car has anti-lock brakes, apply firm, continuous pressure.
• Plan your route and check conditions before you leave.
• For children, NHTSA advises against putting a bulky winter coat on under a car seat harness; buckle the child in and lay a coat or blanket over the harness instead.

Do not crowd the plow

Ohio Emergency Management’s winter safety message is “Ice and Snow, Take it Slow and Don’t Crowd the Plow.” NHTSA also advises drivers not to crowd snowplows. Give them plenty of room to work.

Check road conditions

The Ohio Department of Transportation’s OHGO site and app show traffic cameras, closures and incidents. Ohio EMA’s winter safety bulletins point drivers to OHGO before winter trips. For county road levels, check the Seneca County Sheriff’s snow emergency level first.

If you get stranded

NHTSA’s advice:

• Stay with your car. It is shelter, and it makes you easier to find.
• Make your car visible to rescuers.
• Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow. A blocked tailpipe can push carbon monoxide into the car.
• Run the engine only sporadically, just enough to stay warm, to save fuel.
• Call 911 if you are in danger.

Video: “Tips For Safe Winter Driving” from the AAA YouTube channel.

Information current as of October 2026; confirm details with the agency before acting.

Sources

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Winter Driving Tips (nhtsa.gov)
Ohio Emergency Management Agency winter safety bulletin (content.govdelivery.com)
OHGO, Ohio Department of Transportation traveler information (ohgo.com)
Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Weather Classifications page
AAA YouTube video “Tips For Safe Winter Driving”