The recent wintery mix of weather that's hit Ohio has resulted in numerous traffic accidents. While snowy and icy roads certainly pose a threat to drivers, commercial vehicles such as snow plows can also present safety concerns.

Each winter Ohio drivers are reminded via public service announcements to keep a safe distance behind when encountering a snow plow. A recent accident involving a snow plow, however, proves the dangers associated with these commercial vehicles extends beyond those vehicles directly following.

Shortly before 8 a.m. on a recent weekday morning, a 53-year-old driver was traveling in an SUV southbound. At this same time, a snow plow driven by a 28-year-old was traveling in the opposite direction.

Attempting to clear snow and ice from the shoulder of the highway, the plow's driver accidently struck a metal safety reflector that was positioned in the center of the highway. The blow caused the reflector to become dislodged from the pavement and fly through the air.

The metal reflector ended up striking the windshield of the SUV driven by the 53-year-old. The force caused the windshield to break and the reflector struck the driver in the head.

The 53-year-old sustained serious head and brain injuries. He was transported to a nearby hospital. He currently remains in critical condition in the hospital's neuro-intensive care wing.

While some may consider this to be a freak accident, accidents involved commercial vehicles such as this occur with a fair amount of frequency. Injuries sustained in commercial vehicle accidents often result from equipment of materials falling on or striking drivers or pedestrians.

Source: Lima Ohio, "Snow plow shoots reflector into Findlay man's windshield, injuring him," Sarah Stemen, Jan. 24, 2013