PennDOT Reminds Drivers to Use Caution During Winter Weather

JEFFERSON COUNTY, PA – With winter weather expected to move into the area this weekend, PennDOT is urging motorists to use caution while driving.

PennDOT is prepared to deal with the possible storm. Plow trucks and other equipment have been readied. Salt, anti-skid and other materials have been stockpiled. Crews will be working around the clock if necessary to keep the roads safe and passable.

Motorists are reminded that roadways will not be free of snow while precipitation is falling. They should beware of roads that may look wet, but are actually frozen. Extra caution should be used when approaching bridges and ramps where ice can form without warning.

Drivers are advised to employ the following safety tips:

• Give plow truck drivers space to do their job. – Do not pass or go between trucks plowing snow in a line. Follow six car lengths behind an operating plow. Remember the best driving conditions are behind the plow truck.
• Turn on your vehicle’s headlights. – State law requires motorists to turn on their headlights when wipers are being used.
• Allow for extra time. – Weather and road conditions can change quickly. Be prepared to drive slowly and increase following distances when necessary. Share your driving plans with friends and family.
• Carry a phone but don’t use it while driving. – Put all your attention on driving, but keep the phone close in case of an emergency.
• Clear ice and snow from vehicles. – Snow and ice falling from a vehicle can be a hazard to other drivers. If snow or ice falls from a vehicle and strikes another causing a crash or injury, the driver can be held liable and cited.
• Have an emergency kit in your vehicle. – Emergency packs should include flashlights, jumper cables, first aid supplies, matches, bottled water and snacks, extra warm clothing and gloves, radio, ice scrappers and snow shovels.
• Get your vehicle ready. – Check fluid and gas levels. Make sure wiper blades, tires, lights, heaters and defrosters are in good working condition.

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 770 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

For additional winter driving safety tips, go online to www.JustDrivePA.org.