Distracted Driving Pledge continues through the holidays

It's back by popular demand and for the sake of everyone's safety on the roadway. We're asking readers who have not yet taken the Ohio Turnpike Distracted Driving Pledge to do so and earn a chance to win a $50 Sunoco Gas Card.

Last month we invited readers to take the pledge and nearly 3,000 responded.

Congratulations to Kim Jenkins of Brunswick, Ohio, and Paul R. Emhoff of Medina, Ohio, who won a $50 Sunoco Gas Card after taking the pledge last month to become eligible for the random drawing.

Lead by example and take the Ohio Turnpike's pledge to drive distraction-free. You'll get to your destination safely and everyone will enjoy their holiday. Please watch the short video below to hear a safety message from the Ohio Turnpike and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Randy Cole
Executive Director

Barney's becomes first NW Ohio E-ZPass retailer

Taking the Ohio Turnpike in northwest Ohio will now be easier than ever for travelers who do not yet have E-ZPass®. Barney's Convenience Mart is now the first non-Turnpike retailer to offer E-ZPass transponders to customers at 18 northwest Ohio locations.

In its six years of operation on the Ohio Turnpike, E-ZPass has saved customers more than $250 million compared to customers who paid cash over the same period.

"Across northern Ohio our retail partnerships with Barney's, Giant Eagle and GetGo are making it easier than ever to acquire an Ohio E-ZPass," said Ohio Turnpike Executive Director Randy Cole.

"At Barney's we are proud to partner with the Ohio Turnpike. Barney's means convenience to our customers and to our community. We are very excited to be the first northwest Ohio retailer to offer E-ZPass at our 18 locations," said Barney's Vice President Jim Sutphin.

Give E-ZPass as a holiday gift to family and friends

Looking for a great last-minute gift or stocking stuffer for a friend or loved who's always on the go? Then E-ZPass may be the answer.

Simply obtain a transponder for $12 at any of the Turnpike's 14 Service Plazas, or convenient retail locations at 90 Giant Eagle stores in 13 counties, at 72 GetGo locations in 15 counties and at any of 18 Barney's locations in Lucas and Wood Counties. The $12 paid will be added to the gift recipient's account and will be available to pay for tolls.

Be sure to let your gift recipient know they'll need to activate their account with their credit card 24 hours before their first Ohio trip and 48 hours before an out-of-state trip.

Martin Seekely
Deputy
Executive Director

Safe driving in winter means slowing down for conditions

The Ohio Turnpike urges drivers to be safe and cautious while driving in extreme winter weather conditions.

Before you travel, check for the latest conditions and pay attention to weather and traffic reports.

Leave ample stopping time between you and the driver in front of you. Braking distance can be up to nine times greater on snowy, icy surfaces than on dry roads.

Drive slowly and be cautious on bridges and overpasses, they are often the first to freeze over. On snowy roadways, accelerate and brake slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is best for regaining traction and avoiding skids.

In a skid, ease your foot off the gas while steering in the direction you want to go. Stay off the pedals (gas and brake) until you are able to maintain control of your vehicle. This will bring the back end of your car in line with the front.

If you break down, stay with your vehicle and call *990 for help. Do not walk along the mainline. If you witness an accident, do not stop, call *990 from a safe location to report the crash.

If stopped or stalled, clear the exhaust pipe of any snow or ice to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and run your vehicle only long enough to stay warm.

Winter Emergency Kit

Although winter is off to a slow start this year it's always good to be prepared for what's ahead. Here are some items to have in your vehicle's emergency kit:

• Bottled water
• Blanket or sleeping bag
• Booster cables
• Cell phone and car charger
• Emergency flares
• Extra clothing
• First-aid kit and medications
• Flashlight
• Ice Scraper
• Sand or non-clumping cat litter in case you get stuck
• Small shovel and rope

For more information about winter safety and preparedness, visit ReadyOhio.
 

Ring in the New Year with free coffee at Turnpike vendors

At the end of the holiday season, the Ohio Turnpike estimates it will have more than 3.7 million customers traveling on the roadway, with many stopping at any one of 14 Service Plazas to rest, grab a bite to eat or fuel up.

On New Year's Eve from 10:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. on New Year's Day, Ohio Turnpike vendors will offer complimentary coffee to holiday travelers. This offer is valid for one cup of hot coffee per traveler.

Complimentary coffee is available at the following locations:

• Sunoco and APlus Convenience Store (Indian Meadow/Tiffin River, Mahoning Valley/Glacier Hills Service Plazas)
• Panera Bread/Covelli Enterprises (Mahoning Valley/Glacier Hills Service Plazas)
• Burger King/HMS Host (Indian Meadow/Tiffin River, Erie Islands/Commodore Perry, Middle Ridge/Vermilion Valley, Great Lakes/Towpath Service Plazas)
• Hardees (Blue Heron/Wyandot Service Plazas)
• McDonald's/HLW Fast Track (Portage/Brady's Leap Service Plazas)

Ohio Turnpike supports Troops serving overseas

Ohio Turnpike employees recently banded together to help spread holiday cheer to U.S. Army personnel stationed in Kuwait.

After a few weeks of collecting non-perishable foods, snacks, sweets, personal hygiene items, notebooks, pens, pencils and other items, employees packed up 35 large boxes during their lunch break. All items were donated, including homemade cards. Postage was also paid by donations from employees.

"We were amazed by the generosity of Turnpike staff," said Jennifer Stueber, General Counsel, who along with Jennifer Diaz in the Turnpike's Legal Department, hatched the idea.

Stay informed on changing traffic patterns due to accidents, work zones and construction delays,
E-ZPass® updates and other Turnpike news by following us on Twitter and Facebook.

Copyright © 2015 Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, All rights reserved.
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Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission.

Published by the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission,
Randy Cole, Executive Director
Adam Greenslade, Director of Government Affairs, Marketing and Communications
Questions or suggestions? Contact Brian Newbacher, Editor, brian.newbacher@ohioturnpike.org.

Our mailing address is:
Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission
682 Prospect Street
Berea, OH 44017
440-234-2081

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