Wolf Administration Urges Drivers to Use Caution in Coming Winter Storm

Wolf Administration Urges Drivers to Use Caution in Coming Winter Storm

1/3/2018-HARRISBURG

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Leslie S.
Richards today advised drivers that, while significant snow amounts aren't
expected across the whole state, low temperatures, high winds, and timing
near
morning commutes mean that drivers should use caution and adjust travel
times
if necessary.

Drivers in the northwest region who could see up to 18 inches of snow into
the
weekend should also consider postponing unnecessary travel if conditions
warrant.

"PennDOT is fully prepared with staff, materials and equipment for this
storm,"
Richards said. "However, salt is less effective at colder temperatures and
gusting winds will impact visibility and driving conditions.

"We urge drivers to not be complacent even if their area isn't expected to
see
several inches of snow – they must slow down, allow extra time in their
commutes, and leave plenty of room around our plows and other vehicles."

If motorists encounter snow or ice-covered roads, they should slow down,
increase their following distance and avoid distractions. Last winter in
Pennsylvania, preliminary data shows that there were 252 crashes resulting
in
129 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways where
aggressive-driving
behaviors such as speeding or making careless lane changes were factors.

To help make decisions as to whether to travel during winter weather,
motorists
are encouraged to "Know Before You Go" by checking conditions on more than
40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900
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 850 traffic cameras. Users can also see plow truck
statuses and travel alerts along a specific route using the "Check My
Route"
tool.

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.

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