ODOT: Ice and Snow, take it slow

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - The Miami Valley is getting used to mild winters with very little snow to shovel and few slick roads.

The Ohio Department of Transportation wants to be sure drivers are not complacent this year, especially with our first threat of slick roads overnight Thursday.

ODOT's best advice:  Ice and snow, take it slow.  Research shows by the time the first winter storm hits, most motorists have forgotten their safe winter driving skills.

"Because of last year's mild winter, many of Ohio's motorists haven't driven in significant ice and snow in about 20 months," said ODOT Director Jerry Wray.

ODOT offers these tips for safe winter driving:

- Plan Ahead:  Before leaving home, find out about driving conditions.  You can do that by visiting ODOT's premier website, www.BuckeyeTraffic.org .  You can always use Storm Team 2's interactive maps and tools at WDTN.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter .

- See and be Seen:  Remove any snow on your vehicle's windows, lights, brake lights and signals.

- Check the Clock:  Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely.  It's not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.

- Turn on your headlights:  If you need to turn on your wipers, turn on your headlights. It's the law.

ODOT reports 16,167 winter-related crashes on Ohio's roadways last winter.