Harrisburg, PA – As temperatures drop and darkness falls earlier, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reminding drivers of the importance of checking headlights, watching for deer, and being ready to react to a variety of road hazards that may be more common during this time of year.
“As winter approaches, Pennsylvanians can make driving safer by preparing their vehicles now,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Check your tires, verify that you have enough windshield washer fluid, and keep your windshields free and clear of streaks or fog that may make it difficult to see. This will help you see better in lower light and create safer roads for all who are traveling during this time of year.”
Drivers should remember the following when maintaining vehicle headlights:
- When replacing a lightbulb, drivers should review their vehicle’s owner’s manual to confirm the type of bulb recommended by the manufacturer. Installing a headlight bulb that is not recommended by the manufacturer could cause safety hazards by blinding oncoming drivers.
- Maintaining a clean, streak-free windshield can help reduce nighttime glare from the headlights of oncoming vehicles.
- Pennsylvania law requires that drivers turn off their high beams when they are within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle. Additionally, drivers should turn off their high beams within 300 feet of approaching another vehicle from behind. These actions help reduce the chance of blinding other drivers on the road.
- Drivers whose vehicles have automatic high beams should be mindful of the potential for their high beams to be activated while driving. If approaching another vehicle, drivers may need to manually turn these lights back to low beam to comply with the law.
- Keep headlight lenses clean and free of fog, which is caused by oxidation.
- Turn your headlights on if your wipers are on — it's the law.
Drivers should also be aware of the following tips relating to wet leaves, fog, sun glare, and frost:
- Wet leaves on the road can be as slippery as ice. Drivers should slow down and use extra caution on leaf-covered roads.
- When driving in fog, drivers should use low beam headlights. High beams create glare and reduce visibility.
- Drivers can prepare for sun glare by keeping a set of sunglasses handy, removing clutter from their sun visors, and keeping the inside of their windshield clean.
- Drivers should pay extra attention to bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas on roads where morning frost can form icy spots on the pavement. Drivers should clear their vehicles' windows of frost before traveling.
Drivers can reduce the possibility of being involved in a crash with a deer, which are more active during fall, by following these safety tips:
- Slow down, increase following distance between vehicles, and use caution, particularly where deer crossing signs are posted.
- Make young drivers aware of increased deer movement.
- Be especially watchful during morning and evening hours when deer are most active.
- Exercise caution when one deer crosses a roadway. Since deer often travel in small herds, one deer will usually be followed by others.
- Always wear your seat belt.
- Never drive impaired.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) is also reminding drivers that, when involved in a crash, drivers should take photos of the vehicle damage, road conditions and the position of the vehicle. This documentation can be extremely helpful during the claims process. Drivers are also advised to write down the date, time, and location of the crash.
“We remind drivers to contact their insurance company immediately following a crash. Quickly filing a claim with your insurer is the best way to guarantee the damages to your vehicle are accurately documented, which is an important part of completing the claims process,” said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. “Additionally, remember that deer or other wildlife collisions are considered not-at-fault incidents, so your rates shouldn’t go up at renewal because of hitting a deer. It’s important for drivers to consider comprehensive insurance coverage, which is optional coverage that provides protection for vehicle damage that could occur because of an animal-related crash.”
Pennsylvanians can learn more about auto insurance on PID’s website.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is also reminding motorists that safe driving requires attention, patience, and compliance with traffic laws, particularly when road and weather conditions change.
- Drivers should keep their attention on the roadway, avoid activities that take focus away from driving, and refrain from using handheld interactive wireless devices.
- Maintain a safe following distance, avoid tailgating and unsafe passing, and allow additional time to reach a destination.
- Never operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Always wear your seat belt, regardless of distance. Children should be secured in an appropriate child safety seat or booster seat.
- When approaching an emergency response area, a traffic stop, or a disabled vehicle displaying appropriate warning lights, move into a lane farther away when possible, or slow down as required by Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law.
- As darkness arrives earlier, be cautious and watch for pedestrians and animals in low-light conditions to prevent crashes.
“As daylight hours shorten, motorists across the Commonwealth are reminded to remain alert and use extra caution while traveling,” said Lieutenant Colonel George L. Bivens, Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “Ensure your vehicle’s lighting is functioning properly, adjust your speed according to road and weather conditions, eliminate distractions, and stay vigilant for deer, especially during the early morning and evening hours. Taking these simple precautions can help prevent crashes and keep Pennsylvania roadways safe for everyone.”
For more information on fall driving safety, visit www.pa.gov/dotsafety.
Travelers can check conditions on major roads 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 smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.
Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Leanne Trindel or Jennifer Kuntch, PennDOT, ltrindel@pa.gov or jkuntch@pa.gov
Adrian Sipes, PID, ra-in-press@pa.gov
Sgt. Logan Brouse, PSP, ra-pspcomm@pa.gov
# # #