Stuck in snow or slid off the road near Toledo

If you slide off the road

Ohio’s driver handbook gives two pieces of advice for the moment it happens (Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 10): in a skid, ease off the brake or accelerator and turn the wheel into the skid; and if your wheels drop off the pavement, let off the accelerator, slow down gradually and return to the road only when it is safe.

Once the car has stopped:

1. Turn on your hazard lights and check whether anyone is hurt.
2. Call 911 if anyone is injured, the car is blocking a travel lane, or you are somewhere you could be hit. On I-75, I-475, I-280 or another state highway, #677 reaches the Ohio State Highway Patrol for non-emergency help.
3. Look before you get out. If you are close to moving traffic, stay buckled in. Plows and other drivers may not see you until late.
4. Don’t spin the tires hard. Spinning tends to dig the car in deeper.
5. If it is safe to work outside, clear snow from around the tires and under the car, and put sand or cat litter under the drive wheels for grip. NHTSA lists both in its winter kit. Don’t overexert yourself shoveling (NHTSA).
6. If the car won’t come free in a few gentle tries, stop and call for a winch-out.

If you’re stranded: staying warm and safe

The National Weather Service and NHTSA agree: if you are stuck, stay in your vehicle (NWS, NHTSA). Leaving the car puts you on foot in the cold, close to traffic and plows that may not see you.

While you wait:

• Be visible. At night, turn on the dome light while the engine is running. Tie a bright cloth to the antenna or a door, and raise the hood once the snow stops (NWS).
• Stay warm. Use the blankets and extra clothing from your kit.
• Save your phone battery. Call for help, give your location, then use the phone only when needed.
• Tell them where you are. Give the road, direction, nearest cross street or exit, and a landmark. If your phone can share a map pin, send it.

Lucas County snow emergency levels

The Lucas County Sheriff sets snow emergency levels for the county under Ohio law. As summarized by the University of Toledo:

A Level 3 emergency does not apply to the Ohio Turnpike. Neighboring counties, including Wood County across the Maumee River, set their own levels, so Perrysburg and Toledo can be under different levels on the same day.

During a Level 3 emergency, towing and roadside providers are dealing with the same roads you are. Arrival can take much longer, and some calls may not be possible until roads reopen. If you are safe and warm, it can make sense to wait for the plows.

Toledo snow routes and parking bans

The City of Toledo plows in phases, starting with the busiest streets and moving to residential streets last. Residential streets generally aren’t plowed or salted unless a storm brings more than 3 inches.

In extreme weather, the City Safety Director may ban parking on TARTA bus routes and snow emergency routes so they can be plowed curb to curb. Police can then ticket and tow vehicles parked on those routes. The city’s page describes when a snow emergency is likely:

• Stage 3 (3 to 5 inches, or drifting): a snow emergency is possible.
• Stages 4 and 5 (over 5 inches with blizzard conditions): a snow emergency will be declared.

The page has a map of snow emergency routes and a live plow tracker. If your car disappears from a snow route during a storm, start with our guide to finding a towed car in Toledo.

Bridges and highways in an ice storm

The Veterans’ Glass City Skyway, which carries I-280 over the Maumee, has a history of ice falling from its cables after freezing rain. In December 2007, for example, two southbound lanes were closed for about six hours (Toledo Blade; background). Before you head out in an ice storm, check ODOT’s OHGO site or app for closures and crashes.

If you get stuck or slide off on an interstate, the highway steps in our I-75 breakdown guide apply. A car left on a highway can be ordered towed if it blocks traffic, or after 48 hours if the owner hasn’t told police why it is there (ORC 4513.61). If you have to leave it, call #677 and arrange a tow as soon as you can.

What to keep in the car this winter

The Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness says to make a kit for each vehicle (Ohio winter safety tips). Combining the NHTSA and NWS lists:

• Snow shovel, broom or brush, and ice scraper
• Sand or cat litter for traction
• Jumper cables
• Flashlight with spare batteries, and flares or reflective triangles
• Blankets and extra warm clothing, hats and gloves
• Phone charger
• Water, high-calorie food and any medicine you need
• First aid kit
• Tow rope and a basic tool kit
• A bright cloth to tie to the antenna or door

NHTSA also recommends keeping the gas tank close to full in winter. A dead battery is the other common winter call; see why car batteries die in Toledo winters.

Winch-out or tow?

Winching can take more equipment and time than a simple tow, so ask for the total before work starts. If you’re on a rural road outside the city, give the nearest crossroad; a provider serving Oregon, Holland, Perrysburg or Sylvania may be closest.

When you call, say what you’re stuck in, how far off the road the car is, whether it is damaged, and what you drive. That tells the dispatcher what truck and equipment to send.