OHP and ODOT were out warning holiday shoppers about intersection safety.
/ Tim Wening
MAUMEE -- Most Americans are aware that the holiday travel season can be treacherous.
In addition to the wintry conditions, that are typical during November and December, during the holidays many people like to drive when visiting family and friends.
On Wednesday, Ohio Department of Transportation officials were out at the Shops at Fallen Timbers passing out information and tips on avoiding the dangers at intersections during the holiday season.
According to ODOT, crashes spiked nearly 20 percent during the 2010 holiday shopping season.
The mixture of pedestrians and drivers in busy shopping areas can also contribute to the risk.
"There is so much going on in your mind when you're out there holiday shopping. You're trying to get the best deal, you're trying to get to the next place, and you’re trying to get the best gift that you can. We want to remind everyone you have to focus on what's at task and that is driving", Theresa Pollick of ODOT said.
ODOT officials are also encouraging shoppers to be on alert when crossing intersections on foot.
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