Pa. Turnpike Anticipates Busy Independence Day Weekend

With over 3 million vehicles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike state-wide starting tomorrow, Turnpike officials and State Police are emphasizing safety during the upcoming Independence Day weekend (July 1-6), urging all travelers to use common sense and be aware while driving.

"This weekend, motorists should remember that texting while driving is one of the most dangerous driving behaviors there is," said Cpl. Rick Dean of the Pennsylvania State Police Troop T. "Texting takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, and your mind off driving. That's what makes it so dangerous."

To encourage drivers to "quit txtng on trnpk!" - the title of the Turnpike's year-long no-texting campaign - there will be a Safety Break event held at one of the Turnpike's busiest travel plazas, Sideling Hill. The Sideling Hill facility is between the Breezewood and Fort Littleton exits on I-76 and is accessible to traffic from both directions. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 1, Turnpike representatives will be there to talk to motorists, provide them with materials about the dangers of texting while driving, and hand out "Text free" thumb-bands to remind them to keep their thumbs off their phones and on the wheel.

To prepare for the surge of travelers, Turnpike maintenance and construction work will be suspended across the Turnpike system state-wide, starting 3 p.m. tomorrow through 6 a.m. Wednesday (July 1-6) requiring all lanes to remain open to traffic except in emergencies. Some restrictions for construction work during heaviest travel periods will remain in effect until 6 a.m. July 11. In the event of emergency-lane closures or traffic related incidents, the Turnpike will activate its Variable Message Signs (VMS) and Highway Advisory Radio (1640 AM). Motorists are urged to stay alert for stopped or slow moving traffic when approaching all work zones and obey posted speed limits to avoid increased penalties.

Cpl. Dean says that although texting while driving may be tempting, it isn't worth the risk. "Imagine getting into an accident because you were sending the simple message 'cya soon.' As a result of that message, someone might never see their family again. Texting behind the wheel is a reckless behavior that puts everyone on the road in danger. Don't do it, folks."

Although texting might be the most risky cell-phone related driving behavior, drivers should know that even hands-free cell phone use can delay reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent does. Dialing or reaching for a phone can be dangerous as well. Drivers should let passengers handle the phone if possible, limit the calls that they must make to urgent ones, and strive to be particularly aware of the road during cell phone use.

To better plan ahead for holiday travels, Turnpike motorists can get real-time information about roadway conditions via the Turnpike Roadway Information Program, or "TRIP," by visiting www.paturnpike.com or calling 1-866-976-TRIP (8747). Officials advise motorists headed for the Turnpike to check out conditions before they leave. In case of an accident, breakdown or other emergency, motorists can utilize the yellow emergency call boxes on the shoulder or dial *11 or 1-800-332-3880 to receive aid. Be prepared to give your milepost location and direction of travel and move the involved vehicles out of active travel lanes if possible.