Quad Motorcycle

In winter, it’s important to pay very close attention to winter weather advisories, emergencies, and warnings. For civilian drivers, the weather indicators put out by the national and local weather and news stations can help us determine the safety of the roads, and for any vehicles with mounted Amber lightbars, like security vehicles and road construction crews, these weather advisories help keep civilians off the roads while they handle emergency situations.

An excellent way to ensure that you know what to do in the case of a severe storm is to study upon what the Ohio Attorney General and the Ohio Revised Code say regarding winter storm warnings. A level one snow emergency means that roads (township and county, mainly secondary) are hazardous with the possibility of blowing and drifting snow. Roads are icy and drivers should use caution, if they choose to drive. Driving under this snow emergency is not illegal, it is just important to pay close attention and drive with extra care.

According to the Ohio Attorney General and the Ohio Revised Code, a level two snow emergency means that roads are very hazardous (including primary roads) with blowing and drifting snow as a strong possibility. This level of snow emergency indicates that only those who feel it is absolutely necessary to drive should be on these roadways. And in the event of a level two snow emergency, employees should contact their respective employers to see if they should report to work for the day. It is recommended that drivers other than amber lightbar equipped vehicles stay off the road, however drivers who do decide to venture out in this condition will not be penalized by authorities.

According to the Ohio Attorney General and the Ohio Revised Code, a level three snow emergency means that all roads are closed to all non-essential personnel, meaning emergency and construction vehicles with affixed with amber lightbars. No one other than vehicles these or vehicles assisting those vehicles equipped with these proper weather and visibility lighting systems should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. In the event of a level three snow emergency, most employers close business, but it is a good idea for employees to check with their employers via phone or email to make sure they are not to report in to work. And in a level three snow emergency, those traveling on any roadway in the county may subject themselves to citation or arrest.

People who live in parts of the country that normally receive significant snowfall through the winter should always tune in to their local weather channels to watch for winter weather emergency warnings and information. For safety purposes, heed the weather advisories and warnings, because it is not just your life you are putting in danger when you brave the snowy, icy roads in inclement weather, but the lives of others outside in it, too.

Tags: amber lightbars, winter