7 Tips for Safe Winter Driving in PA

In the coming months, state highway workers will be dumping nearly a half-million tons of salt to keep icy Pennsylvania roads safe.

And drivers are being urged to do their part as well.

This is the season of dangerous travel. In 2011, there were 1,994 vehicle crashes and 19 fatalities during the Christmas and New Year travel periods in Pennsylvania.

The state Department of Transportation – with 5,400 operators and 2,250 trucks on standby – has issued a winter travel safety alert:

“PennDOT’s primary goal during winter weather is keeping our nearly 40,000 miles of roadway passable, which means they won’t necessarily be free of ice and snow during storms,” [PennDOT Secretary Barry] Schoch said. “Getting through winter safely is a shared responsibility between us and our customers.”

Following are some safe winter motoring tips:

• Know the danger areas. During storms, the DOT focuses first on clearing interstates and expressways. Secondary roads and less-traveled routes might have heavy accumulations of snow and ice.

• Slow down. Snowy, slushy and icy surfaces affect your car’s turning and braking abilities.

• Allow ample following distance. Avoid tailgating and aggressive behavior.

• Carry an emergency kit. This should include items such as non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, warm clothes, a blanket and a small snow shovel.

• Get legal help if needed. If you are in an auto accident – even if you think it was partly your fault – consult a qualified car crash lawyer about your legal rights and options.

• Check road conditions in advance. Go to www.511PA.com to view current conditions on more than 2,900 miles of Pennsylvania roads.

Talk With A Pennsylvania Car Crash Lawyer

The Scranton accident lawyers at Munley, Munley & Cartwright are here to help. If you are in an automobile accident, call 877-763-2343 to speak with an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney, or use this contact form.