COLUMBUS – As Ohioans settle into 2011, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) safety experts ask
motorists to look ahead while driving to avoid rear-end collisions, the leading cause of crashes in
Ohio.
According to the ODOT safety analysis of the first nine months of 2010, there have been 237,374 crashes
on Ohio roadways – with nearly one out of four crashes caused by motorists following too close.
Although safety has improved on Ohio’s roadways – with 2009 being the safest year on record – ODOT safety
experts say the number of crashes in Ohio can continue to be reduced by changing driver behavior.
As motorists look ahead in 2011, ODOT safety experts recommend these tips to help prevent crashes:
¥ Back Off – Ohio law states motorists should leave one car length between their car and the car in front
of them per every 10 mph of speed. Trucks should allow even more space.
¥ See the Light – If you need to turn on your wipers, turn on your headlights. Ohio law now requires
drivers to turn on vehicles headlights whenever windshield wipers are in operation due to any type of
precipitation.
¥ Look Up, Hang Up – Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions, such as cell phones. Watch for
construction zones, snowplow trucks, and pedestrians.
ODOT reminds motorists to KNO B4 U GO by visiting the department’s Web site, www.BuckeyeTraffic.org,
which offers up-to-the-minute information on work zone locations, traffic congestion alerts, road
closures, weather conditions, and Highway Patrol accident updates 24-hours a day, seven days a week.