COLUMBUS — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is warning motorists to be alerted that the state’s winter driving conditions can change rapidly and they should follow general roadway safety and to be certain that their vehicles have been winterized.

“Snowy, icy weather is a fact of life in Ohio,” Gov. Mike DeWine is quoted as saying in a news release from the patrol. “If you have to travel when the weather is bad, it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going so you can take it slow.”

The news release says 8,104 crashes took place on snow, ice or slush-covered Ohio roads in 2024. Fifteen of those resulted in 15 deaths, according to the release, which advisers drivers to leave extra distance between themselves and the vehicles ahead.

Twenty-one percent of crashes on bad roads in the winter were the result of an unsafe speed being traveled by the driver at fault, the release says, with 13% being caused by a driver following another vehicle too closely.

“Safety is especially important during inclement weather,” Col. Charles A. Jones, patrol superintendent, was quoted as saying in the release. “Motorists are encouraged to slow down and use extra caution. Leaving more space between vehicles and staying patient can help ensure a safer trip for everyone.

Ohio law requires headlights to be on any time a vehicle’s windshield wipers are activated. If a vehicle becomes stuck in snow, the tailpipe should be cleared of any debris to lessen the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Anyone whose vehicle breaks or is involved in a crash should activate their hazard lights, move their vehicle as far off the roadway as possible, remain in the vehicle and call #677 or 9-1-1.

Drivers are encouraged to stock vehicles with a winter car kit that includes an ice scraper, a shovel, jumper cables, a flashlight, warning devices, blankets, a cellphone charger, a first-aid kit, a tow rope, water and food. Motorists are also advised to check their batteries, be certain their tires have plenty of tread and make sure their windshield washer reservoirs are full.