Governor Wolf Announces 511PAConnect to Keep Stranded Motorists Safe, Informed

Governor Wolf Announces 511PAConnect to Keep Stranded Motorists Safe,
Informed

12/22/2016-HARRISBURG

Governor Tom Wolf today announced the launch of 511PAConnect, a new
initiative
that will provide information updates to motorists in the event of a
long-term
road closure due to accidents on the Pennsylvania Turnpike or other state
roadways. Following last year's significant trapped queue during Winter
Storm
Jonas, Wolf tasked state agencies to develop a tool to better keep drivers
informed in similar situations in the future.

"People being stuck on roadways due to an accident isn't a new problem, but

we're using modern technology to keep motorists informed about the status
of
accident cleanup and highway reopening," said Governor Wolf. "This
connection
with motorists will also allow us to have a clearer picture of who is
sitting
in a vehicle and where they are, so we can better plan for the use of our
resources."

Wolf said when personnel from the PA Turnpike and PennDOT identify a
potential
long-term closure, they will notify staff at the 24-hour Commonwealth Watch
and
Warning Center at the PA Emergency Management Agency, who will issue an
initial
location-based alert to motorists in the area of the closure. Law
enforcement
also uses the alerting system to issue Amber Alerts for missing children.

"This system will only be used for emergencies that will last for a
sustained
period," said PEMA Director Richard D. Flinn Jr. "It is important for
motorists
to recognize that the system will only work in areas with cell phone
service,
and that this is not a substitute for calling 9-1-1 if you have an actual
emergency in your vehicle."

Motorists who receive the alert will have the option of registering for
automatic text messages or phone call updates. Follow-up notifications will
be
generated by Turnpike and PennDOT staff monitoring the closure. Once the
incident is resolved, motorists who registered for the alerts will
automatically be unsubscribed and all personal data will be scrubbed from
the
system.

"This new 511PAConnect initiative helps PennDOT in its mission to serve
drivers
regardless of weather or road conditions that may impede travel," said
Department of Transportation Secretary Leslie S. Richards. "While we hope
we
never have to use it, drivers will now have rapid communications on
conditions
when emergencies or major incidents impact their travel."

"We certainly recognize that it can be stressful for travelers caught in an

extended roadway closure, not knowing where they are, worrying how long
they
may have to sit there," said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. "At a time like
that, just knowing someone is out there who is aware of your predicament
can be
a comfort; and the updates and life-safety messages we push out through
this
tool help to make stranded travelers feel connected."

PennDOT and the Turnpike offer a variety of tools to keep travelers
informed
during all levels of incidents — including the 511PA smartphone app, phone
number, online sources and social media platforms — but 511PAConnect is the

first initiative of its kind to link directly to a targeted group of
travelers
who are being impacted by, or who are approaching, a large-scale emergency.

Governor Wolf also said motorists should maintain a small stash of
emergency
supplies in their cars year-round. A basic emergency kit should include
non-perishable food and water and a cell phone charger, and any specialized

supplies such as baby or pet care items, as well as items appropriate for
the
weather such as a blanket, small shovel or rain gear.

Free emergency kit checklists for your vehicle or home and family emergency

plan templates are available online at www.ReadyPA.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jeffrey Sheridan, Governor's Office – 717-783-1116
Erin Waters-Trasatt, PennDOT – 717-783-8800
Carl DeFebo, Turnpike – 717-645-2265
Ruth A. Miller, PEMA – 717-651-2009 or ruthmiller@pa.gov

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