Local News
Monday, December 28, 2009
Slip sliding awayStaff Writer
The holiday weekend's snow might have been pretty to look at, so long as it wasn't viewed from behind the wheel.
Snow covered the area Sunday, leaving slick roads for early morning commuters today.
According to reports, Hancock County Sheriff's deputies responded to 11 non-injury accidents by 10 p.m.
Seneca County also reported several non-injury incidents, such as vehicles slid off the road and into ditches.
"It looks like everyone is listening and staying home," Hancock County Dispatcher Amanda Miller said.
Wood County Sheriff's Deputy April Meeker also reported no major incidents and agreed that drivers are paying attention and doing what they're supposed to do.
"So far, so good," Meeker said of this morning's reports.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is having a different view of how drivers are faring, though.
"The last 24 hours have been very difficult," Sgt. William Bowers of the Bowling Green post said.
Bowers said the post has been dealing with slideoffs, non-injury accidents and property damage accidents throughout the night.
One call took troopers out for a fatal accident near the intersection of U.S. 6 and Ohio 199 at 9:04 p.m. Sunday. Mahesh R. Pillai, 29, Bowling Green, lost control of his vehicle, crossed left of center while eastbound on U.S. 6 and was struck by a second vehicle. A passenger, Nilesh Pillai, 25, was pronounced dead at Wood County Hospital, where the driver and his wife, Kanchan V. Landge, 27, Bowling Green, were taken after suffering minor injuries.
The driver of the second vehicle, Wayne D. Pearce, 52, Bradner, was uninjured.
Bowers said it appears the accident was related to the weather and road conditions.
"Just slow down and put distance between yourself and other vehicles," Bowers advised.
Bowers also said drivers should give themselves extra time when traveling.
The Ohio Department of Transportation's Web site uses the slogan "Ice and Snow...Take it Slow" for drivers to remember how to be cautious during commutes.
While tips such as driving at a slower than posted speed and paying careful attention to surroundings may seem like common sense, ODOT also cautions drivers of black ice.
Black ice is nearly invisible and forms a thin coat of ice on paved surfaces. Drivers are asked to be especially cautious at "intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady areas," according to the site.
ODOT addresses driving near snow clearing equipment and tells drivers "Don't Crowd the Plow."
Drivers are advised not to pass plows. Also, plows are known to drive well below the posted speed limit and drivers are sometimes unable to see vehicles nearby. ODOT reminds drivers to keep a good distance from plows and be prepared to stop or slow down.
However, there are times when a driver may have to get around a plow due to a time constraint. In these situations, ODOT advises drivers to watch out for snow clouds, which are kicked up by plows and can reduce visibility significantly.
For the immediate area, drivers are still encouraged to be careful and use extra precautions.
"Roadways are still considered hazardous at this time, but the sheriff and deputies will review that throughout the morning," Miller said.
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Ph: (419) 435-6641 • Fax: (419) 435-9073
113 E. Center St. • P.O. Box 947
Fostoria, OH 44830
The Findlay Publishing Company
P.O. Box 609
Findlay, OH 45839-0609
Phone: (419) 422-5151
www.findlaypublishing.com
Please read our privacy guidelines
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