Nov 26, 2005 By Rebekah Sungala 3 min read

Snow. It’s the one thing people who live in southwestern Pennsylvania are pretty much guaranteed to see every winter. And though a dusting can be pretty, a heavy snowfall can be hazardous, making the roadways icy and slippery. “People who live here know it’s going to come. You plan for it in advance and take every precaution you can once it arrives,” said Jay Ofsanik, safety press officer for the state Department of Transportation District 12.

Ofsanik said PennDOT road crews are prepared to deal with winter road conditions as they develop, but said motorists need to be prepared as well.

Snowplow operators have 3,634 miles of road to take care of in District 12, which includes Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties, and Ofsanik said people need to be patient during a snowstorm and give crews time to clear the roads.

“Our crews work 12-hour shifts, and we have people working 24 hours a day if needed, but it takes time to clear the roads, especially during a heavy snowfall when you have a couple inches of snow coming down in an hour,” he said.

If people must venture out on roadways before they are completely cleared, Ofsanik said they should “slow down and be extra cautious.”

In addition, PennDOT offers the following safety tips for winter driving:

Before the first snowfall

– Have your battery checked before the temperature falls below 32 degrees. Batteries lose as much as 35 percent of their power when the temperature falls below freezing.

– Make sure your tires are adequate for winter driving conditions.

– Be familiar with your vehicle’s brake system. Vehicles with anti-lock brakes have a computer that automatically pumps the brake, so the driver should press firmly on the brake and let the computer regulate the pumping. If your vehicle is not equipped with anti-lock brakes the driver must gently pump the brakes to keep the wheels from locking.

– Check the windshield wiper blades and defrosters and make sure your vehicle has windshield washer fluid and antifreeze.

– Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle. The kit should include a shovel, flashlight, tool kit, jumper cables, sleeping bag or blanket, first-aid kit, warm clothing, non-perishable food and a bag of sand.

Once the snow falls

– Make sure that all the windows and outside mirrors are clear of snow and ice, allowing for maximum visibility.

– Allow extra driving time to reach your destination safely.

– Be on alert for black ice. When the temperature is just above freezing, a thin layer of water can cover ice, causing extremely slippery conditions.

– Be aware of bridges and shaded areas that can freeze before other road surfaces.

– Give yourself extra time to stop. Stopping distances can double on ice, so allow extra distance between vehicles.