Airdate: November 21, 2022
While the record-breaking snowstorm that struck western New York this weekend has gotten so much attention, there were places in Pennsylvania where snow squalls made driving hazardous.
A snow squall is a brief but intense period of heavy snow that can result in up to two inches of snow in a half hour, 30 mile per hour winds and visibility less than a quarter mile.
Motorists in Pennsylvania are being warned to be on the lookout for snow squalls and advised on how to stay safe when driving in one.
Joining us on The Spark Monday are Randy Padfield, director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Jon Fleming, Highway Administration Executive Director with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
PennDot tips for driving in snow squalls:
- Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits the conditions.
- Turn your headlights on.
- Stay in your lane.
- Increase your distance between vehicles.
- Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.
- Reduce in-car distractions since your full attention is required.
- Use your defroster and wipers.
- Turn your four-way flashers on.
- Keep the windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.
- During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely get as far off the road as possible or when there is a safe area to do so.
- Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could cause a chain-reaction collision.
- Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.
- Always buckle up and never drink and drive.
With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form without warning.
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