PennDOT ISSUES ADVICE ON WINTER DRIVING
PennDOT ISSUES ADVICE ON WINTER DRIVING
DUNMORE (December 4, 2007) – As motorists prepare for winter snowfalls, a few safety measures would lessen road hazards, according to the state Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
PennDOT is asking drivers to slow down, pay attention and use caution on area roadways.
Keith Williams, PennDOT’s Traffic Engineer, says motorists must go through a period of adjustment during the onset of winter weather. “Drivers are often taken by surprise,” he said. “Driving techniques – such as reducing speed and increasing the distance between vehicles -- that are second nature to local drivers by March need to be re-learned every November as winter kicks in.”
Williams said common mistakes when driving in snow and ice include driving too fast for conditions and following vehicles too closely, which affect a vehicle’s stopping ability. Travel at reduced speeds and allow plenty of room between vehicles.
Also, the department advises homeowners not to shovel or blow snow from their driveways or sidewalks onto roadways. Disposing snow on roads makes for dangerous situations, creating such hazards as icy conditions for unsuspecting motorists.
Another hazard can result from leaving snow on a vehicle. PennDOT is urging drivers to totally clear snow from the body of a vehicle, including windshield, windows, hood and roof. The vehicle code requires all windows on a vehicle to be free of obstructions. A motorist can also be cited if snow or ice from their vehicle dislodges and causes injury or death to another person.
In addition, motorists should give plow drivers plenty of space when following a plow truck to avoid being sprayed with anti-skid material. Also, motorists should be careful when passing a plow truck as the plow blade may be wider than the truck.
Additional snowfall safety tips include:
- Go slow and drive defensively.
- Always buckle up.
- Leave plenty of extra stopping distance.
- Allow room for snow plows, at least six car lengths. Stay in right lane, except to pass.
- Stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary.
- Leave earlier to allow plenty of time to get to a destination.
- Watch out for slippery surface of bridges.
- Turn on headlights and flashers as needed, especially during squalls.
- Anticipate gusting winds and snowdrifts.
- Inspect tires, use tires designed to operate in snow and ice, and keep tires inflated to proper levels.
- Avoid driver distractions such as cell phones, adjusting the radio or climate controls, eating or drinking, and smoking.
- Watch for PennDOT information on electronic message boards and listen to weather radio or PennDOT’s Highway Advisory Radio.
- Be prepared to brake at all on- and off-ramps.
- Inspect wipers and wiper blades.
- Refresh washer fluid with anti-freeze type.
- Make sure defrosters are in good operating conditions.