DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — As the first snowfall gets closer, PennDOT is gearing up to keep our roads safe.
They are reminding drivers to stay prepared as they tackle the challenges of winter driving.
PennDOT is taking no chances as winter approaches.
They've been preparing since the summer.
Pa. road conditions and plow locations available on PennDOT’s website
PennDOT crews are already hard at work inspecting their equipment and reviewing plow routes, ready to take on the first snowfall of the incoming winter season.
"Every year, we have what we call a dry run where our operators and our garages go through our equipment, make sure everything's prepared. We also send our drivers over their routes. They look for any obstacles and see anything that could pose a problem in all hours of the night when they are out there," said PennDOT District 4 Highway Maintenance Manager Gene Perry.
Crews start treating the roads as soon as the weather calls for it, making sure to time it just right based on the forecast.
"We were going to go out and anti-ice with our brine but seeing how it's going to start as rain, we're going to just wait for the transition of the rain to snow," Perry explained.
If you see a plow on the road, give them space, especially if they're actively clearing roads.
"The biggest thing is once it changes over, give our operators some space, let them do their job," Perry pleaded.
But safety doesn't end with the plows. Winter driving requires preparation too.
"Stay off the roadways if you don't have to travel, but if you do, especially since it's transitioning from rain into snow, is making sure you're not speeding, keeping the proper distance, giving yourself enough time, taking alternate routes if possible," PennDOT District 4 Safety Press Officer Elizabeth Fabri said.
It's also encouraged to keep an emergency kit in your car in the event you do get stuck.
