| Snowdrifts block the intersection of Deshler Road and Wingston Road west of North Baltimore. (Photos: Enoch Wu/Sentinel-Tribune) |
What happens if you’re caught out driving during a Level 3 Snow Emergency?
The Wood County Sheriff’s Office website defines a Level 3 Snow Emergency by saying that "All
municipal, township, county, state and U.S. routes in Wood County are closed to non-emergency personnel.
No one should be out during these conditions. Those traveling on the roadways may subject themselves to
arrest. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work as only
employees designated by their employer as essential may go to work and only if their route is
passable."
Indeed, the Ohio Revised Code section 311.07 allows a sheriff’s office to temporarily close roads within
its jurisdiction "for the preservation of public peace" during a snow emergency.
"Any person who violates a snow emergency order is subject to prosecution of Ohio Revised Code
Section 2917.13 (Misconduct at an Emergency)," according to the website.
Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn said Tuesday that in addition, drivers could be cited for driving on a closed
road – a minor misdemeanor citation – or unlawful order.
| Snowdrifts are seen across Deshler Road west of North Baltimore, Ohio on Tuesday January 7, 2013. |
That last offense, he said, is "a little bit more serious" and comes into play if the
individual were additionally being "obstinate."
More than likely, however, he said that drivers would receive a traffic citation.
"Someone would have to be, if they were out today, telling us that they were going sledding
somewhere and they’re stuck and tying up resources" in order to likely be ticketed, he said
Tuesday.
"Today everyone’s been cooperative, they’ve been out for good reasons," said Wasylyshyn.
Bowling Green Police reported that, during the Level 3, weather-related incidents included:
• Five citations for reasonable control and misconduct during an emergency (for vehicles stuck in snow).
• Three citations for obstructed view/snow and ice.
• One traffic crash.
"Typically, what we were doing was only citing people who were spinning out and getting stuck or
something," said Maj. Tony Hetrick.
"If they can’t maintain control, they shouldn’t be out driving."
