Pa. Turnpike Urges Travelers to Heed Important Driving Advice during Winter-Like Conditions

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (10/29/2011)(readMedia)-- With snowfall currently blanketing much of the state today and continuing into tonight, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) offers motorists some advice regarding October's winter-like conditions impacting travelers on I-76/I-276 east of Harrisburg to New Jersey and I-476 Mid-County to Clarks Summit.

The most important winter-driving recommendation: When the weather outside looks questionable, always call or go online to find out what's happening on the Turnpike before you venture out. Then, if roadway conditions warrant, seriously reconsider travel plans.

The best way to check Turnpike conditions is the Turnpike Roadway Information Program, or "TRIP." TRIP uses live data and video feeds from the Traffic Operations Center together with on-scene reports from roadway crews, police and emergency responders and rapidly delivers alerts via an Interactive Travel Map, service-plaza message boards, a toll-free call-in advisory system and the "Preferred Traveler" e-mail and text-message system.

• Web Map - The Interactive Travel Map (www.paturnpike.com/webmap) delivers a quick, easy view of conditions across the entire Turnpike system; it features live web cams, at-a-glance traffic flow status, weather conditions, audio travel advisories and more.

• Message Boards - The Turnpike's moving, traffic-alert scroll appears across the top of our home page (paturnpike.com) and on the electronic message boards inside Pa. Turnpike service plazas, keeping motorists informed about what's happening on the road.

• Travel & Toll-Rate Hotline - Hear up-to-date travel information or calculate the toll charge for your trip by calling 866.976.TRIP (or 866.976.8747). This toll-free number gives audio advisories for the region in which you are traveling, including delays and closures due to construction, accidents or weather. Please use the TRIP line responsibly and avoid distractions while driving.

• Preferred Traveler - Become a Preferred Traveler to receive route-specific traffic, weather and construction alerts via e-mail or text. Get alerts only for the part of the Turnpike you drive regularly. You decide the days and hours that messages are sent when you set up a free Preferred Traveler account at www.paturnpike.com/member.

If you do make the decision to hit the road after checking conditions, please remember to buckle up and slow down.

Motorists should be aware the driving in winter weather oftentimes requires reducing your speed to below the posted limit, even if you're driving an SU, and always remember to turn on your headlights so that you can see and be seen; state law requires headlight use whenever windshield wipers are on.

Never pass or tailgate a snowplow, salt truck or plow train on the Turnpike and motorists should keep in mind that the roadway ahead of maintenance vehicles is most likely snow covered or icy. Keep a safe distance and leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the plows.

In case of an accident, breakdown or medical emergency, motorists should dial *11 (or 1-800-332-3880) to receive aid on the Pa. Turnpike. This call puts you in direct contact with a Traffic Operations Center dispatcher.

As an alternative, you can also utilize the yellow emergency call boxes located on the shoulder at one-mile intervals to get help.When you call, be prepared to give your milepost location and direction of travel (i.e., eastbound or westbound). In the event of a minor accident, make sure the vehicle is moved out of the active travel lanes and all people are kept away from moving traffic. Secondary crashes are often caused by traffic approaching an accident scene.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is committed to distributing complete, accurate and consistent travel information and providing exceptional customer service. Be in the know before you go and plan ahead – 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).