OHIO — The snow is melting away, and the roads are steadily improving after last week’s winter storm, but the next snowfall and poor driving conditions are only a matter of time.

The crews out on those roads are encouraging drivers to pay attention when plows may be making their rounds, citing more than a dozen accidents so far in the first month of the year.

In a post to Facebook, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) — Toledo District 2 shared that an accident in Ottawa County became the 15th plow strike in 2024.

“Distracted driving can happen in an instant,” the post reads. “Drive when you are alert; hands on the wheel, eyes on the road.”

In another post, the ODOT North Central Ohio District 3 Facebook account, shared a number of photos from accidents, encouraging drivers to move over and slow down.

“Please, we urge you, drop the distractions, pay attention, take your time, plan ahead…” the post reads. “Help keep our roadway workers and yourselves safe!”