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December 2016 Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram
Customer Connection Bridge
In This Newsletter
Technology leading safety
VIDEO: Winter Safety
What if I break down?
Stocking stuffer on the go
Lucky winners nab $25
The Ohio Turnpike - A Better Way To Travel®

Technology will make Ohio Turnpike even safer

We know that the vast majority of vehicle crashes (94 percent) are due to human error. So what happens if human error is eliminated?

When self-driving technology meets its future promise for both commercial and passenger vehicles, millions of crashes nationally will be avoided, lives will be saved and injuries and property damage will be reduced dramatically. 

Working Toward Zero Deaths behind the wheel is a powerful prospect worth pursuing and it’s why we’re working with innovators like Otto to determine whether the promise can become reality.

To learn more about why the Ohio Turnpike is working with innovators to test self-driving technology, please watch a recent news report from 13ABC in Toledo or WOIO-TV in Cleveland.

To learn more about the six different levels of vehicle autonomy, click here. To read about the big step the federal government took this week with its proposed rule to advance the deployment of connected vehicle technologies, click here.

Randy Cole
Executive Director

"I'm confident computer sensors will not fall asleep, shave, put on lipstick, text behind the wheel or drive drunk."

-- Randy Cole, Executive Director

  A commercial vehicle recently tested self-driving technology on the Ohio Turnpike.
 

VIDEO: Turnpike says bring on Ole' Man Winter's best

Just as Ohio Turnpike snowplow drivers practice safe driving it’s also important for customers to do their part in making travel safe for everyone.  Simple steps to take: make sure your vehicle is road-ready, plan for extra travel time when necessary and always allow extra distance between vehicles. 

Drivers should slow down, avoid distractions and drive according to the conditions of the road. They should be especially cautious on ramps, bridges and overpasses.  

Motorists also should avoid passing snowplows and allow extra space for the plow drivers to clear the road.  “Our experienced and dedicated crews will be working hard to make sure customers have a safe driving experience on the Ohio Turnpike,” said Chris Matta, Maintenance Engineer. “After all, the safest place to be on the road is behind a snowplow.”

Chris Matta
Maintenance Engineer

 VIDEO: Ohio Turnpike's Chris Matta explains the partnership between you and the Pike.
 

If you break down this winter, call #677 for help

If you break down behind the wheel, stay with your vehicle and call #677 for help. Do not walk along the mainline. If you witness an accident, do not stop, call the Ohio State Highway Patrol via #677 from a safe location to report the crash location by its nearest milepost.

While driving on snowy roadways this season, 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 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

During cold and snowy winter months, 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

 

E-ZPass makes a great holiday gift and is easy to find

Looking for a great last-minute gift or stocking stuffer for a friend or loved one who's always on the go? Then Santa says E-ZPass is your answer.

Simply obtain a transponder for $12 at any of our convenient retail locations at participating Giant Eagle Stores and GetGo locations, Discount Drug Marts, Barney's, Mickey Mart, AAA Akron Auto Club and several BMV's. 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.

Marty Seekely
Chief Financial Officer

New Year's Eve free coffee tradition continues at plazas

On New Year's Eve from 10:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m., Ohio Turnpike Service Plaza 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 in Afghanistan

Ohio Turnpike employees recently banded together to help spread holiday cheer to about 525 U.S. Army soldiers stationed at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

After collecting non-perishable foods, snacks, sweets, personal hygiene items, holiday decor and other items, employees packed up 16 large boxes containing 340 pounds worth of goodies during a lunch break. All items, including postage, were donated by employees, including homemade cards.

A letter of appreciation sent from the unit's Chaplain read in part, "The gifts and supplies you gave to our troops reminds them that even though we have been at war for 15 years, Americans have not forgotten the sacrifices we endure to keep America safe." 

  Ohio Turnpike employees assembled holiday care packages for troops in Afghanistan.
 

Lucky winners nab $25 Sunoco Gift Cards at Plaza

Ohio Turnpike Thanksgiving travelers sampled Ohio-produced specialty products at the Vermilion Valley Service Plaza on Wednesday, Nov. 23.

Travelers also were treated to free samples from Ohio Heartland Stores. Participating were Great Lakes Smoked Meats of Lorain, Heini's Cheese of Berlin, Ohio, Great American Popcorn, and Udderly Smooth of Salem, Ohio.

Several customers also were randomly chosen to receive $25 Sunoco Gift Cards. We hope to see you during your travels!

The Dang family, winners of a $25 Sunoco Gift Card, pose with new friend at Middle Ridge.
 

Snow & Ice removal has always been a top priority on the Ohio Turnpike, as seen in this photo of an Oshkosh snow plow truck circa 1956.

Stay Informed in Real Time: Follow us on FB and Twitter

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 © 2016 Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you have a past relationship with the
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.

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

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