PennDOT Issues Travel Alert for Potential Snow Thursday

Motorists Urged to be Alert for Potential Snow Thursday, Friday

Clearfield – With current weather forecasts highlighting the potential for a significant snowfall in Potter and other northern Pennsylvania counties starting on Thursday, PennDOT is reminding motorists to use extra caution and be prepared for potential delays.

“The first significant snow of the season can be troublesome for drivers who have not used their winter driving skills for the past several months,” said PennDOT District 2 Executive Kevin Kline “Motorists need to remember to slow down and allow extra distance between vehicles.”

In addition to steady and slow travel, motorists are also reminded to remove ice and snow from their vehicle before driving. Under law, if snow or ice is dislodged or falls from a moving vehicle and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious bodily injury, the operator of the source vehicle is subject to a fine of $200 to $1,000 for each offense.

Police may also cite motorists for not clearing their vehicles’ windows, and the citation carries a fine of $25 plus associated costs.

PennDOT also offers motorists these additional tips:

• When driving in snow, increase your following distance.
• If you are being tailgated, let the other driver pass.
• Be sure that your vehicle’s lights, heating system and wipers are functioning properly and remember that under Pennsylvania law, if your wipers are on, your headlights must be on, too.
• Be sure that your tires have sufficient tread depth to deal with winter road conditions.

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