Nov. 27—WILKES-BARRE — Ahead of expected winter weather across much of Pennsylvania on Thanksgiving, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is advising motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm and use caution while driving.
Additionally, PennDOT will implement various speed and vehicle restrictions during the storm.
PennDOT crews will pre-treat roads ahead of the storm as necessary to prevent ice from forming a bond with the road surface during the early stages of a storm.
However, salt does not solve all risks and motorists may encounter ice spots on the roadway.
In freezing temperatures, roads that appear wet may actually be icy, and extra caution should be taken when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice may form.
Restrictions will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for personalized alerts on the website.
The following vehicle restrictions will come into effect at 6am on Thursday, November 28, in accordance with the Commonwealth’s Vehicle Restriction Plan for Weather Events.
Restrictions will be lifted as quickly as possible once conditions are safe.
Level 1:
—Interstate 81: Interstate 476 exit 194 (Clarks Summit) to the New York state line.
Under Tier 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not allowed on the affected roads:
—Tractors without trailers.
—Tractors pulling unladen or lightly loaded closed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers.
—Tractors pulling unladen or lightly loaded tandem trailers.
—Closed unladen or lightly loaded trucks/boxes that meet the definition of a CMV.
—Passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) with trailers.
—Recreational vehicles/RVs.
—School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches.
—Motorcycles.
Speed limits will be limited to 70 km/h for all vehicles on these roads while the vehicle restrictions are in force, and commercial vehicles not subject to the restrictions must move to the right lane. Additional speed limits may be added on other highways depending on changing conditions.
The purpose of the restriction is to ensure highways remain open during the most challenging winter storm conditions.
When conditions improve, PennDOT will lift travel restrictions.
Restrictions will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website at www.511PA.com and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for warnings on the website.
Although PennDOT crews treat roads, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roads during the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.
Drivers should prepare or supplement their emergency kits with items such as non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, warm clothing, a blanket, a cell phone charger and a small snow shovel. Motorists should tailor their kits to the specific needs they or their families have, such as baby supplies, extra medications and pet supplies.
During winter weather, drivers should be extra careful when operating snow removal equipment. When drivers encounter a plow truck, they should:
—Stay at least six car lengths behind a working plow truck and remember that the main plow is wider than the truck.
—Be alert, as plow trucks generally travel much slower than other traffic.
—If a plow truck is coming toward you, move as far away from the center of the road as safely possible, and remember that snow can obscure the actual width of the snowplow.
-Never try to pass multiple trucks or get between several trucks plowing next to each other in a “plough train”. The weight of snow thrown from the plow can quickly cause smaller vehicles to lose control, posing a hazard to nearby vehicles.
— Never drive next to a plow truck, as there are blind spots where the driver cannot see, and these can occasionally be moved sideways if they hit drifts or heavy snowpack.
—Keep your lights on so the driver can see your vehicle better. Also keep in mind that Pennsylvania state law requires vehicle lights to be on any time a vehicle’s windshield wipers are on due to inclement weather.
Preliminary data shows that 151 crashes involving one death and 55 injuries occurred in Pennsylvania last winter on snow-covered, snow-covered or ice-covered roads where aggressive driving, such as speeding or careless lane changes, was a factor.
The Pennsylvania State Police offers this advice if you are involved in an accident:
—First and foremost, move your vehicle as far away from the roadways as you can drive it. It is extremely dangerous to stay on the roadway when you can drive your vehicle.
—If your vehicle or any other vehicle involved cannot be driven due to damage, or if any of the parties involved are injured, PA law requires that the crash be reported to law enforcement. Do this by calling 911 immediately.
—If your car is disabled in the lane or stuck in the lane due to snow or ice, remain in the car with your seat belt on and the hazard lights activated. If it is not safe to remain in your vehicle, assess the situation and remove yourself and passengers to a safe place, such as behind a barrier or guardrail. When you leave your vehicle, move as quickly as possible and DO NOT stay in the roadway or near your vehicle.
—When you encounter a crash scene, the law requires that you take evasive action if possible and always slow down. First responders will be actively on scene and focused on helping those involved in the accident and getting the road reopened.
Motorists are reminded that the law requires drivers to remove accumulated ice or snow from their vehicle, including the hood, trunk and roof, within 24 hours after the storm has passed. This applies to all vehicles, including commercial vehicles. Drivers who violate the law face a $50 fine. In addition, motorists can be fined up to $1,500 if snow or ice dislodges and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian, causing death or serious injury.
Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District4.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
