With Pennsylvania experiencing winter weather and freezing temperatures, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is marking the state's winter driving awareness week by encouraging drivers to be sure they are ready for the winter.

Winter driving awareness week continues through Jan. 17 and highlights the need for motorists to keep safety in mind throughout the winter season.

"Winter Driving Awareness Week calls our attention to the need for increased preparation and caution during the season," Barry J. Schoch, PennDOT secretary, said.

"We all have the responsibility to be sure our vehicles are ready to deal with winter driving before we leave home," Schoch continued.

"If they haven't already done so, drivers should get their vehicles serviced by a mechanic they trust," Schoch added.

"A properly trained mechanic can check the cooling system, battery, hoses, drive belts, tires and wiper blades to ensure they are in good condition and functioning properly."

Schoch added motorists should frequently check all fluid levels, lights and wiper blades.

Tires should also be checked often for the correct level of air pressure and adequate tire-tread depth to perform on ice and snow.

Motorists also are encouraged to prepare or restock their vehicle emergency roadside kits. Kits should contain items such as non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, warm clothes, a blanket, cell phone charger and a small snow shovel. Motorists should tailor their kits to the specific needs for themselves or their families such as including baby supplies, extra medication and pet supplies in emergency kits.

When winter weather is occurring, PennDOT asks drivers to be extra cautious around snow-removal equipment.

When encountering a plow truck, drivers should:

* Stay at least six car lengths behind an operating plow truck and remember the main plow is wider than the truck.

* Be alert since plow trucks generally travel much more slowly than other traffic.

* When a plow truck is traveling toward you, move as far away from the center of the road as is safely possible and remember snow can obscure the actual snow plow width.

* Never try to pass or get between several trucks plowing side by side in a "plow train." The weight of the snow thrown from the plow can quickly cause smaller vehicles to lose control, creating a hazard for nearby vehicles.

* Never travel next to a plow truck since there are blind spots where the operator cannot see other vehicles. Moreover, the trucks can occasionally be moved sideways when hitting drifts or heavy snowpack.

* Keep headlights on to help PennDOT operators better see your vehicle. Also remember, under Pennsylvania state law, vehicle lights must be on every time a vehicle's wipers are on due to inclement weather.

To help make decisions as to whether to travel during winter weather, motorists are encouraged to "Know Before You Go" by checking road conditions by visiting www. 511PA.com.

The 511PA website is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 700 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1 or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

For more information on safe winter travel, an emergency kit checklist and information on PennDOT's winter operations visit the website www.dot. state.pa.us/winter