Winter Weather Preparation Urged For Bucks County Commuters

TREVOSE, PA —Are you ready for snowy and icy roads?

With winter arriving Wednesday, TMA Bucks is encouraging Bucks County commuters to be prepared to battle months of winter weather and successfully navigate winter roads.

“Common sense should always prevail if inclement weather is forecasted,” said Carly Mannon, TMA Bucks' community traffic safety program manager. “If you have no reason to be out on snow or icy roads, then you should eliminate all unnecessary travel. Stay home and telecommute for work if you can so PennDOT and municipal public works departments can more easily perform their winter duties for those that need to be out on the roads like our first responders."

Since inclement winter weather brings unexpected poor driving conditions, TMA Bucks suggests preparing yourself and your vehicle for the ice and snow.

TMA Bucks advises a mechanic to check the brakes, the battery, the hoses, and the belts of your vehicle.

Packing a winter emergency kit in your vehicle is also recommended. That kit should include items such as a flashlight and batteries, jumper cables, an ice scraper, a small shovel, gloves, a blanket, and anything else needed to accommodate a family traveling as well.

TMA Bucks is offering other tips for safe driving during the winter:

• Remove all ice and snow from windows, mirrors, and all vehicle lights before you drive and as often as needed.
• Remove snow and ice from the hood and roof of your vehicle. State law states that if snow or ice from your vehicle strikes a vehicle or person and causes death or injury, you can be ticketed.
• Slow down and increase the distance between vehicles.
• Avoid sudden stops and starts.
• Beware of roads that may look wet, but are actually frozen, often referred to as “black ice.”
• Use extra caution on bridges and ramps, where ice can often form without warning.
• Do not use cruise control while driving on snow-covered roads.
• State law requires you to turn on your headlights when your wipers are on.
• Use your low beams in particularly bad weather, especially in cases of heavy or blowing snow.
• Do not pass or get between trucks plowing in a plow line (several trucks plowing side by side).

"In Bucks County, it is extremely important to remember there are several rural, two-lane highways, so please be patient and allow PennDOT the necessary time to reach these roads," Mannon said. "Not all highways in Bucks County are state highways and several are municipally owned and are treated and plowed by the borough or township. It might take them a bit longer to get these roads cleared.”

Also note that several Bucks County municipalities have snow emergency policies. Be aware of your township/borough’s policy and comply to help keep the roads clear and safe.

About TMA Bucks
TMA Bucks is a 501 (c) 4 non-profit transportation management association designed to promote and coordinate travel demand management strategies to reduce peak-hour traffic congestion and serve as a clearinghouse for transportation policies and programs throughout Bucks County.

TMA Bucks also manages the Bucks County Community Traffic Safety Program in partnership with the County of Bucks and the TMA Bucks Foundation. The TMA is membership-supported. Businesses can learn more about the benefits at tmabucks.com.