Shapiro Administration Outlines Winter Preparations and Guidance for Pennsylvanians, Highlights New Information Tools and Employment Opportunities
PennDOT is actively seeking temporary equipment operators statewide for the winter season to supplement the department's full-time staff. Details on minimum requirements – such as possession of a CDL – as well as application information , are available at www.employment.pa.gov/penndot. Through the same website and www.employment.pa.gov, job seekers can apply for other non-operator winter positions such as diesel and construction equipment mechanics, welders, clerks and more.
If motorists encounter snow or ice-covered roads, they should slow down, increase their following distance and avoid distractions. Additionally, seat belts should always be worn in a vehicle. Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary data shows that there were 8,919 crashes, 36 fatalities, and 3,251 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways. Twelve of the people who died weren’t wearing a seat belt, and 15 of the fatalities were in crashes where a driver was going too fast for conditions and drove out of their lane.
In addition, snow squalls can often produce dangerous and deadly travel hazards on otherwise clear winter days. The National Weather Service now issues “Snow Squall Warnings” which alert drivers of whiteout conditions and slippery roadways, so motorists can avoid traveling directly into these dangerous squalls.
Motorists should prepare for potential wintry weather by ensuring they have supplies in their cars before heading out: food, water, blankets, extra gloves and hats, cell phone charger, hand or foot warmers, windshield brush and scraper, and any specialized items like medications or baby and pet supplies.
Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,200 traffic cameras.
511PA is also available through a free smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X.
Subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts or subscribe to news in a specific county or region. Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How is Pennsylvania preparing roads and highways for winter weather?
Pennsylvania is preparing for winter through coordinated efforts by PEMA, PennDOT, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. PennDOT has budgeted more than $219.5 million for winter operations, maintains over 622,000 tons of salt statewide, and deploys nearly 4,700 workers to keep roads safe during snow and ice events. The PA Turnpike also has hundreds of trained operators and responders prepared to provide around-the-clock winter maintenance and roadside assistance.
2. How can drivers check Pennsylvania road conditions during winter storms?
Motorists can check real-time road conditions through 511PA. The service provides traffic delays, weather forecasts, roadway conditions, travel restrictions, traffic camera feeds, and plow-truck activity on state-maintained roads. Travelers can access the information online, through the 511PA mobile app, or by calling 5-1-1.
3. What should be included in a winter emergency kit for your vehicle?
A winter emergency kit should include water, nonperishable food, blankets, extra hats and gloves, a phone charger, windshield scraper and brush, hand or foot warmers, and any necessary medications. Families traveling with children or pets should also carry specialized supplies to meet their needs during unexpected delays or emergencies.
4. What should drivers do during a snow squall warning?
A Snow Squall Warning means sudden whiteout conditions and slippery roads are occurring or imminent. Drivers should slow down immediately, increase following distance, avoid sudden braking, and, when safe, delay travel until conditions improve. Snow squalls can create dangerous conditions within minutes, even on otherwise clear days.
5. What is the difference between a weather watch and a weather warning?
A weather watch means conditions are favorable for hazardous weather and people should monitor forecasts and prepare. A weather warning means hazardous weather is occurring or expected very soon and immediate action should be taken to protect life and property.
6. How can Pennsylvanians stay safe while driving in snow and ice?
Drivers should reduce speed, allow extra stopping distance, avoid distractions, wear seat belts, and give snowplows plenty of room to operate. Before traveling, motorists should check forecasts and road conditions, carry emergency supplies, and reconsider unnecessary trips during significant winter weather events.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Erin Waters-Trasatt, DOT, ewaterstra@pa.gov or 717-783-8800
Ruth Miller, PEMA, ruthmiller@pa.gov
Marissa Orbanek, PTC, 267-408-5151, morbanek@paturnpike.com
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