DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — First responders battled dangerous conditions after being called to multiple crashes across our region during the storm.
Some involved tractor-trailers that weren't supposed to be on the road during implemented speed and vehicle restrictions.
PennDOT is sounding the alarm about driver safety following Tuesday's tractor-trailer crashes on interstates in the snow. Tractor trailers were seen barreling down interstates across PennDOT District 4 on cameras inside the incident command center.
Beginning at 3:00 Tuesday morning, a Tier 4 restriction went into effect, meaning no commercial vehicles were allowed on the interstates.
"When you have reduced visibility, and a large plow truck with two wings on each side of it and a plow in front, that's a big vehicle to operate with a lot of blind spots. So, we do encourage everyone to follow those tiered restrictions when we implement them for their safety, and also for ours," stated Jonathan Eboli, PennDOT District 4, assistant district executive of maintenance.
First responders were called to the scene of a tractor-trailer crash on I-80 East in White Haven, Luzerne County.
PennDOT keeps busy clearing roads in Luzerne County
It happened just before 6:00 a.m., and this portion of the interstate was shut down for hours.
"The crashes can be avoided and that's why we implement the restrictions, the tier 4 restriction as well as the speed restrictions because we want to keep everyone safe at the end of the day and make sure we have no accidents on our roadways," explained Lonell Shalkowski, PennDOT District 4, maintenance services engineer.
PennDOT announces the restrictions through news releases, 511PA, and signage on interstate message boards as seen here on I-81 South.
"Drivers who disobey the restrictions risk their safety, the safety of others, and penalties from state police," said Trooper Anthony Petroski, PSP Troop N.
Some truck drivers off camera stated they were concerned about missing their deadline and losing their jobs.
