With heavy rains and strong winds spreading across the state today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 4-0 warns motorists to take precautions when driving during inclement weather. PennDOT urges motorists to be aware of safety hazards that may pose a potential risk and to DRIVE FOR CONDITIONS they encounter.
 
Today’s rainfall may cause water to back up on area roadways. Strong winds in many areas are causing trees and branches to fall on roadways, often blocking them completely or partially. Utility lines sometimes become entangled in the trees and are brought down by their weight.  When utilities are involved, PennDOT provides traffic safety support to utility companies who have the responsibility of removing lines from the roadway.
 
With recent higher, warmer temperatures come melting snows and fog conditions. Be aware of standing pools of water in poor drainage areas and those areas still blocked by ice. They could cause loss of control and hydroplaning --when a vehicle's tires lose contact with the roadway and ride on a film of water.
 
With this in mind, PennDOT District 4-0 cautions all drivers to use extreme care when traveling during wet weather. Water can affect your ability to see clearly and maneuver a vehicle.  PennDOT warns motorists not to drive across roads covered with water because the water may be deeper than it looks.  Motorists who encounter water covered roads are encouraged to turn around and seek another route. Motorists are also warned not to attempt to drive around barriers on any closed roads.
 
Here are some other tips for safe driving during wet weather:

·  DO NOT attempt to drive over a flooded or closed road.  Turn around and go another way.

· DO NOT underestimate the destructive power of fast-moving water.  Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car.  Even slow moving water can sweep cars off a road or bridge.

·  DO NOT attempt to drive around downed trees or utility lines. Turn around and go another way.

·  Slow down.  Driving a little slower on wet surfaces is always a good idea;

·  Try to stay at least two car lengths behind the car in front of you;

· Check your wiper blades.

· Check your headlights – both low and high beams – before heading out to see if all of the bulbs are working. The law requires you to have your lights on when your wipers are on.

· Use headlights and windshield defrosters to make sure you can see ahead and behind you as clearly as possible.

·   As you travel, monitor weather reports for the latest information.

·  Keep your automobile fueled.  If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel.  Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car;

· If you are in your car and water begins to rise rapidly around you, abandon the vehicle immediately.
 
All motorists should carry an emergency kit in each vehicle. PennDOT recommends a few basic items for all emergency kits, such as non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, warm clothes, a blanket and small snow shovel. Kits should be tailored to each family’s specific needs, including such items as baby supplies, pet necessities, medications, a spare cell phone or even children’s games.
 
Motorists within Pennsylvania may call PennDOT’s 24-hour, toll-free road condition hotline by dialing “511.”  PennDOT also encourages motorists to visit its travel information page at www.511PA.com before heading out.