Indiana- PennDOT today reminded motorists as well as parents and guardians of young children about the numerous hazards created by a deep snowfall.
PennDOT advises motorists to use extreme caution when entering or exiting driveways, intersections and side streets since deep snow may limit sight distance. Homeowners should remove deep snow banks near driveway entrance to increase the sight distance. However, snow should never be thrown onto a public roadway since not only is it illegal, but it can create a hazard for other motorists.
Before even putting their vehicles in gear, motorists should conduct a safety check to be certain that children are not playing around their vehicles. Also, remember that snowsuits and ski masks can limit children's hearing and seeing abilities so it's a good idea to honk your horn before attempting to back up as a final check.
PennDOT also advises parents and guardians to make sure that children do not use deep snow created by plows along the shoulders of roadways as snow forts. Also, be certain that when children are sledding, they never sled toward or on to a roadway.
Motorists also need to be alert for pedestrians walking along the roadway.
Because weather and road conditions can deteriorate quickly, motorists should always check the weather forecast before traveling. Road conditions for interstates and some limited-access highways are available by visiting www.511pa.com before you leave home, or by calling 511 while stopped in a safe location.
For more winter driving tips and information on how PennDOT treats winter storms, visit www.dot.state.pa.us/winter. |