Safety officials offer winter tips
As the winter weather worsens, safety officials warn motorists to beware of slick road conditions and, most of all, be patient and cautious when driving. “When the weather changes, we advise motorists to take a little extra time before leaving,” said Jay Ofsanik, safety press officer for the state Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 12.
Ofsanik recommended leaving a little extra time preparing your car for that winter trek to work.
He said motorists must make sure all windows and outside mirrors are clear of snow and ice for maximum visibility.
Ofsanik said it may be tempting just to wipe clean that little circle of snow, enough to see a spot of road from inside the vehicle, but a spending about five minutes wiping the car windows clean will benefit drivers in the long run.
“Taking this time will sure make it easier to drive to work,” Ofsanik said.
Allow extra driving time to reach your destination safely in case you run into the many winter weather hazards that can cause a roadblock and a tie-up with time.
Motorists must be aware of bridges and shaded areas that can freeze before other road surfaces.
When crossing a bridge, motorists should take caution because the bridge surface can be icy without appearing to be so, Ofsanik said.
He explained, “Bridges don’t have the benefit of the earth beneath them. Air circulates underneath so they don’t maintain temperatures the way roadways do.”
Also while driving, watch out for black ice.
When the temperature is just above freezing, a thin layer of water can cover ice, causing extremely slippery conditions. Double the normal distance needed to stop your car on slick wintry roads to account for any ice lying on the roadway. Also, when stopping, allow extra distance between cars in order to avoid a collision.
Ofsanik recommended becoming familiar with your car’s braking system. If your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS), which have a computer that automatically pumps the brakes, you should press firmly and hold the brake down and let the computer regulate the brakes when and if you are sliding.
If your car is not ABS equipped, then gently apply pumping pressure in order to avoid locking the wheels, he added.
Even PennDOT plow trucks working to clear the roadways can prove to be a risk to drivers.
“Our trucks will surely be out there throwing anti-skid or salt, depending on the weather,” Ofsanik said.
To keep your car clear of flying anti-skid material, distance your vehicle about six car lengths behind PennDOT snowplows, recommended Ofsanik. This is enough space to possibly prevent damages or accidents from occurring if a plow truck driver decided to make a quick turn.
Ofsanik warned drivers to always remain visible to road maintenance crews and to not attempt to steer around plow trucks, as he has heard that drivers sometimes do.
“Stay alert and do not pass a snowplow until it has reached a clear area,” Ofsanik said.
“Motorists should move slightly to the left side of their lane and turn their lights on when approaching a snowplow from the rear,” he added. “This will help the snowplow driver to see you in his mirrors.”
But avoid traveling alongside snowplows since they can suddenly shift after hitting snowdrifts or slush. The average snowplow weighs 50,000 pounds compared to the average car’s 3,000 pounds.
And reduce your speed when approaching a snowplow from the rear since they often stop or even backup.
Above all, patience is possibly the most important key for safe wintertime travel.
Ofsanik said it may take longer to follow a PennDOT plow truck all the way to your destination, but the path of cinders and salt could prove to be the safest route.
“If you follow that truck, you’re probably driving on the safest of roadway conditions,” Ofsanik said. “It may take a little longer, but it will be to the benefit of everyone.”
And as an extra reminder, Ofsanik urged drivers to always buckle up and to never drink and drive.
“Be cautious on roadways and hopefully we can get everyone home safely,” he said.
In case your car does break down, PennDOT says to equip it with these items of necessity: shovel, flashlight, toolkit, jumper cables, sleeping bag or blankets, first aid kit, extra warm clothing, non-perishable food and a bag of sand.
PennDOT offers winter driving tips pamphlets free of charge. To get a copy, call Ofsanik at 724-439-7135.