CLEVELAND — Ohio Department of Transportation snow plow drivers weren't the only crews working the roads Friday. The Ohio State Highway Patrol says they were "all hands on deck" to respond to dozens of crashes and slide offs across Northeast Ohio.
"It's been rough," a commuter named Pat said during a stop at a gas station after coming from Cleveland Heights. "People have to slow down, though. I see people zooming down the highway. It doesn't make any sense."
"You always have to be safe when you're driving in the snow so that you're aware of what's going on," another driver added.
That's one reason why OSHP troopers are "all hands on deck" when the roads get ugly.
"Anyone who is working is out on the road," Sergeant Bridgett Matt told 3News. "No one is sitting in the office on a day like today."
But unlike dry days when they're looking for speeding or reckless driving, on days like Friday, troopers are actively looking for slide offs, disabled vehicles, and crashes. And they've seen their fair share.
By 6 p.m. Friday, the patrol reported 14 crashes in Cuyahoga County, 16 crashes in Lorain County, and seven more in Medina and Summit counties combined. And that's only the crashes their department responded to.
"Right now, I'm doing 58 [mph]," Matt noted as we rode along with her. "So it's OK on a day like today to drive below the speed limit."
If you get in a crash, Matt advises pulling off to the side of the road you are closest to, if possible. You want to get out of the way of oncoming traffic.
Call 911, and you can also call #677 to get a trooper sent your way. It may be tempting to get out to check on damage or other drivers, but state highway patrol says don't.
"Because the safest place for you to be is inside your car," Matt said.
Matt also warns to keep it slow and keep your distance. Also, remember to clear off your vehicles before you head out on the roads. You can get cited if snow is blocking your view in the car or if snow or ice falls off of your car and causes damage or injury.
"It's nothing new for Ohioans," Matt stated. This is the weather that we're used to. It's just the first significant snowfall of the year, so you just want to go back to your training."