Last week, PennDOT highlighted safe winter driving skills with its week-long Winter Driving Awareness Week.
According to a press release, PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch said, “During Winter Driving Awareness Week, I’m asking all motorists to do their part to help increase safety for all drivers this winter season.”
Vehicles should be checked to make sure they are properly equipped and mechanically ready for any winter driving challenges. Check all fluid levels, lights, and wiper blades. Tires should be checked for adequate tire-tread depth and for the correct level of air pressure.
Motorists should keep an emergency kit in the vehicles that should contain non-perishable food, water, first-air supplies, a blanket, warm clothes, a cell phone charger, and a small snow shovel. Depending on their family’s needs, motorists may also need to include baby supplies, extra medication, and pet supplies.
When you are on the road and you encounter a plow truck, PennDOT recommends that you:
- Stay at least six car lengths behind an operating plow truck.
- Be alert, as plow truck travel slower than other vehicles.
- When a plow truck is traveling toward you, move as far away from the center of the road as possible.
- Never try to pass or get between plow trucks plowing side by side.
- Never travel next to a plow truck due to blind spots.
- Keep your lights on so plow truck operators can see your vehicle.