Keep Away From Snow Plows, and Other Winter Driving Tips

As icy conditions led to school delays and morning commute problems Monday morning, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation kicked off Winter Driving Awareness Week, with tips to help drivers stay safer during extreme winter weather.

“Winter Driving Awareness Week calls our attention to the need for increased preparation and caution during the season,” PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch said. “We all have the responsibility to be sure our vehicles are ready to deal with winter driving before we leave home.”

“If they haven’t already done so, drivers should get their vehicles serviced by a mechanic they trust,” Schoch added. “A properly trained mechanic can check the cooling system, battery, hoses, drive belts, tires and wiper blades to ensure they are in good condition and functioning properly.”

During winter weather, PennDOT recommends the following:

• Stay at least six car lengths behind an operating plow truck and remember that the main plow is wider than the truck.
• Be alert since plow trucks generally travel much more slowly than other traffic.
• When a plow truck is traveling toward you, move as far away from the center of the road as is safely possible, and remember that snow can obscure the actual snow plow width.
• Never try to pass or get between several trucks plowing side by side in a “plow train.” The weight of the snow thrown from the plow can quickly cause smaller vehicles to lose control, creating a hazard for nearby vehicles.
• Never travel next to a plow truck since there are blind spots where the operator can’t see and they can occasionally be moved sideways when hitting drifts or heavy snowpack.
• 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.

Schoch also recommended that motorists check all fluid levels, as well as their break and headlights, before hitting the road.

PennDOT also recommends that drivers keep an emergency kit in their vehicle. Among the items it recommends are:

• non-perishable food
• water
• first-aid supplies
• warm clothes
• a blanket
• cell phone charger
• a small snow shovel

“Additionally, motorists should tailor their kits to any specific needs that they or their families have such as baby supplies, extra medication and pet supplies,” PennDOT said.

Winter Driving Awareness Week will run from Jan. 11 through 17.

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