Winter Weather Driving Tips

Provided by TMA Bucks:

With the potential hazards that come with snow, ice, and colder temperatures, these guidelines aim to ensure that motorists navigate winter roads safely throughout Bucks County.

The next few months can quickly bring unexpected poor driving conditions at any moment so make sure that both you and your vehicle are ready for ice and snow. We encourage all commuters to prioritize safety and follow these winter driving tips to ensure a secure and stress-free winter travel season.

First and foremost, you should have a mechanic check the brakes, battery, hoses and belts on your vehicles. We also recommend packing some kind of winter emergency kit in your vehicle to help you in your preparations. This kit should include items such as a flashlight and batteries, jumper cables, ice scraper, small shovel, gloves, blanket and anything else you may need to accommodate family traveling with you.

“It is really important to use good judgment if inclement weather is on the way,” explains TMA Bucks Community Traffic Safety Program manager Carly Wible. “If you have no reason to drive on snow covered or icy roads then you should absolutely eliminate all unnecessary travel. Telecommute if you are able to so PennDOT and local municipal public works departments can have the space to more easily perform their road treatment duties for commuters that need to be out on the roads like first responders and emergency personnel. If you have to travel and be out during winter weather, there are several safety tips and information you should know.” 

– Remove all ice and snow from windows, mirrors and all vehicle lights before you drive and as often as needed.

– Remove snow and ice from the hood and roof of your vehicle. State law states that if snow or ice from your vehicle strikes a vehicle or person and causes death or injury, you can be ticketed.
– Slow down and increase following distance.
– Avoid sudden stops and starts.
– Beware of roads that may look wet, but are actually frozen, often referred to as “black ice.”
– Use extra caution on bridges and ramps, where ice can often form without warning.
– Do not use cruise control while driving on snow-covered roads.
– State law requires you to turn on your headlights when your wipers are on.
– Use your low beams in particularly bad weather, especially in cases of heavy or blowing snow.
– Do not pass or get between trucks plowing in a plow line (several trucks plowing side by side).

“Please remember not all highways in Bucks County are state highways and several are municipally-owned and are treated and plowed by the borough or township,” explains Wible. “It is understandable it might take them a bit longer to get these roads cleared so please be patient. Bucks County also has several rural, two-lane highways, so please be understanding of this and allow PennDOT the necessary time to reach these roads.”

Also make sure you understand that most Bucks County municipalities have snow emergency policies. Be aware of your township/borough’s policy before any winter storms and comply to help keep the roads clear and safe.