PennDOT urges cautious driving during winter storm
With fresh snow and wintry winds predicted this evening and into tomorrow, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to slow down, pay attention and use caution on area road, especially during snow squalls or low-visibility conditions that may occur.
The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory through 10 a.m. Thursday as 1 to 4 inches of snow, gusty winds and below freezing temperatures are in the forecast through tonight.
As the weather warning coincides with the New Year, PennDOT urges motorists to celebrate responsibly ahead of the New Year holiday.
Whether attending a party or going to a bar or restaurant to celebrate, motorists should choose a nondrinking friend as a designated driver, use a ride service or call a taxi or sober friend to get home safely.
Tips offered include:
– Don’t let someone who has been drinking get behind the wheel.
– People planning parties should have food and non-alcoholic beverages prepared.
– People who see an impaired driver should call 911.
Drivers always should be alert for sudden squalls which can strike with little or no warning and quickly cause roads to become snow covered. Heavy squalls also can cause whiteout conditions, virtually eliminating a driver’s visibility. Additionally, falling temperatures and blowing and drifting snow can cause icy areas on road, including overpasses and bridges.
The National Weather Service issues snow squall warnings to alert motorists of potentially hazardous travel. Those who receive a warning should delay travel or exit the highway at the next opportunity.
Motorists who must travel and encounter a squall should slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits conditions, turn on headlights, don’t change lanes, increase following distance, do not stop in the flow of traffic, do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely, and always buckle up and never drive impaired.
