PennDOT advises drivers to slow down on snowy roads

With winter on its way, PennDOT is advising motorists to slow down, increase their following distance and avoid distractions while driving.

Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary data show that there were 301 crashes resulting in four fatalities and 143 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways where aggressive-driving behaviors such as speeding or making careless lane changes were factors.

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by using the free 511PA smartphone app, by calling 5-1-1, or 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 1,000 traffic cameras.

PennDOT advises that its primary focus when snow falls is on interstates and expressways. There may be more accumulations on less-traveled streets.

Motorists should check fluid levels, lights, defrosters and windshield wiper blades before bad weather hits. Throughout the winter season, tires should also be checked often for air pressure and adequate tire-tread depth.

An emergency road kit should include non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, warm clothes, a blanket, cell phone charger and a small snow shovel, and if necessary baby supplies, extra medication, pet supplies or even children’s games.

State law requires motorists to properly clear their vehicles of snow and ice before getting on the road, especially from the roof, trunk and hood. Drivers can be cited for not clearing their vehicle if snow or ice flies off and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious injury.

Motorists should give plow trucks plenty of space and never try to pass a plow truck on the road because it could be dangerous.