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PennDot urges drivers to prepare for tonight’s winter conditions

DUNMORE - With icy winter conditions expected to arrive in northeastern Pennsylvania this afternoon and continue throughout the night, PennDOT urges motorists to be aware of winter safety hazards that may pose a potential risk.

With snow turning into icing conditions late this afternoon and over night, PennDOT will strategically pre-treat and clear state roads, focusing on major routes and possibly redirecting equipment from lower-traffic volume roads to major routes during significant storms.

When equipment is reassigned to help with snow removal on major routes, drivers on secondary roads may experience more accumulation, so drivers need to adjust their driving accordingly.

If travel plans cannot be changed, preparation is the key to successfully navigating the roadway and being ready for unexpected situations that winter weather can cause.

Motorists should visit the Travel Information page of the PennDOT Web site, www.dot.state.pa.us , for the latest conditions on the interstates. The website contains links to department traffic cameras and also to current weather-related travel conditions and closures for all Pennsylvania interstates.

The interstate road conditions hotline provides weather-related road condition information and is updated every 15 minutes for all Pennsylvania interstates. The toll-free hotline is 1-888-783-6783 for in-state callers; out-of-state callers should call 717-783-5186.

All motorists should carry an emergency kit in each vehicle. PennDOT recommends a few basic items for all emergency kits, such as non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, warm clothes, a blanket and small snow shovel. Kits should be tailored to each family’s specific needs, including such items as baby supplies, pet necessities, medications, a spare cell phone or even children’s games.

PennDOT recommends that drivers make sure that their vehicles are prepared for ice and snow.  Although four- or all-wheel drive vehicles are more suited to travel through deep snow, they cannot stop any faster than other vehicles on slippery pavement.  Chains are advisable in the expected icy conditions.

PennDOT recommends these safety tips for winter driving:

•    Keep your gas tank as full as possible.

•    Under Pennsylvania law, when your wipers are on, your headlights must also be on.

•    Carry a cell phone.

•    Use extra caution on bridges and ramps where ice can often form without warning. Beware of roads that may look wet but are
actually frozen, often referred to as black ice.

•    Do not park or abandon your vehicle on snow emergency routes.

•    Do not pass or get between trucks plowing.
•    If you do become stranded, do not leave your vehicle, rather keep the down-wind window cracked, run the motor every half hour to
warm the vehicle and wait for help to arrive.

•    Pack an emergency kit.

•    Remain at least six car lengths behind an operating snow plow.

•    Do not drink and drive.

•    Always wear your seatbelt.
 
Most importantly, PennDOT urges all motorists to slow down and never drive aggressively on snowy roads. Remember, if you must travel during severe winter weather, traffic delays can be expected.