PennDOT: Heavy Snow Squalls Moving Through Region

PennDOT urges motorists to be prepared and drive with extra caution

Snow squalls continue to move through the region today, making driving conditions challenging. PennDOT urges drivers to slow down, pay attention and use caution on area roadways.

Motorists need to be alert for rapidly changing road and weather conditions. Heavy squalls have the potential to cause whiteout conditions, virtually eliminating a driver’s visibility.

If motorists do encounter snow squalls while traveling, PennDOT offers this advice:

• Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits the conditions.
  • Turn on your headlights.
  • Stay in your lane.
  • Increase your following distance.
  • Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.
  • Reduce in-car distractions since your full attention is required.
  • Use defroster and wipers.
  • Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.
  • During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely get as far off the road as possible or when there is a safe area to do so.
  • Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could create a chain-reaction collision.
  • Always buckle up and never drink and drive.

PennDOT reminds motorists that state law requires drivers to turn on their headlights anytime their vehicles wipers are in continuous or intermittent use due to weather or other atmospheric conditions such as fog or mist. Motorists who do not comply with the law could face a fine of $25, but with fees and other associated costs, the penalty would approach $100.

Drivers can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions before heading out.

Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAStateCOLL.