Butler County received its first taste of winter Tuesday as late-afternoon whiteout conditions closed roads and made travel treacherous.

It shouldn’t need to be said, but we urge motorists to use caution around salt trucks and snow plows and respect crews clearing our roads until the first crocuses poke their heads above the soil next spring.

Last winter, aggressive driving was a factor in 440 crashes on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roads in Pennsylvania. Those crashes caused one fatality and 221 injuries.

“Remember, wintertime driving requires reducing your speed to well below the posted limit, even in an all-wheel or four-wheel drive.” said Mark Compton, CEO of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. “Recognize that getting there is going to take longer — perhaps considerably longer,”

On Thursday, PennDOT crews lined up their trucks in Butler to inspect their fleet of vehicles for the wintry weather ahead.

Mike Mattis, the county PennDOT manager, said it’s a good time to review winter driving safety.

Some winter weather guidelines as the plows roll include:

- Give snow plows plenty of space — about 10 car lengths.

- Avoid passing a snow plow. Plows tend to stick out into the neighboring lane, and the roads in front of them aren’t yet treated and cleared.

- Maintain safe slow speed. Leave early to be certain you get to your destination on time.

- Keep your lights on to help the operator better see your vehicle. Also remember that under Pennsylvania state law, vehicle lights must be on every time a vehicle’s wipers are on due to inclement weather.

Residents wondering where plows are can check 511pa.com. Clicking the box to enable “PennDOT Plow Trucks” makes the trucks appear on the website’s map. Their locations are updated live via cell signals.

Remaining safe is a joint responsibility. When you see snow plows or salt trucks on the road, please proceed with caution.