Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Randy Padfield and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Chief Executive Officer Mark Compton had a briefing Oct. 17 to outline plans for winter services, highlight job opportunities and discuss how the public can prepare for the season.

“The safety of every Pennsylvanian is a top priority of the Shapiro administration. We’ve been preparing for this winter since the last one ended,” Carroll said. “Across Pennsylvania, the team at PennDOT is hard at work fixing our roads, highways and bridges, making it easier and safer for Pennsylvania drivers while creating good paying jobs. Keeping our roads as safe as possible is a team effort, and we’d love to have people join our team.”

Each year, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission readies itself to confront the winter elements by properly preparing its entire fleet of trucks, plows and salt spreaders and training more than 425 licensed equipment operators, so they are ready to activate 24/7 staffing this fall.

“Fall has arrived in Pennsylvania, and that means that wintry weather is not far behind,” Compton said. “With winter weather ahead, preparation, planning and coordination are crucial. We also know that your planning ahead for winter driving is critical as well. Take the time now, if you haven’t already done so, to be sure your vehicle is ready by checking your tires, wiper blades, battery and antifreeze.”

For more information, check out the Safety Keys PA Turnpike at paturnpike.com/rampup/safety-keys.

In discussing traffic safety, Carroll announced PennDOT is adding 15 variable speed limit, or VSL, signs, which quickly reduce speed limits when visibility or roadway conditions call for lower speeds, bringing the statewide total to 78 locations.

While the VSLs are in place, permanent speed limit signs are covered, and the normal posted speed limit is displayed on the VSL unless visibility or winter weather conditions call for slower speeds. When speed limits are reduced, a yellow light at the top and bottom of the VSL will be flashing to ensure motorists are aware of the change.

With more than $197 million budgeted for this winter’s statewide operations, PennDOT deploys about 4,700 on-the-road workers, has more than 700,000 tons of salt on hand across the state and will take salt deliveries throughout the winter. PennDOT is actively seeking over 700 temporary equipment operators statewide for the winter season to supplement the department’s full-time staff.

Details on minimum requirements, such as possession of a CDL, as well as application information, are available at employment.pa.gov.

If motorists encounter snow or ice-covered roads, they should slow down, increase their following distance and avoid distractions. Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary data shows there were 135 crashes resulting in one fatality and 61 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways where aggressive-driving behaviors, such as speeding or making careless lane changes, were factors.

“Road conditions during inclement winter weather can change very quickly, making it exceptionally important to have a reliable method of receiving timely updates about hazardous weather conditions,” Padfield said. “It’s always a good idea to make sure others know your estimated travel time and have some basic emergency supplies in your car, like water and a phone charger, along with any specialized items needed for young children or pets.”

Padfield said it’s also important to know the difference between a weather watch and warning. A watch means there is increased risk of a hazardous weather event, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain. Pay attention to forecasts and plan out what you will do if/when it occurs. A warning means the weather event is imminent or is happening. Take immediate action to protect lives and property.

In addition, snow squalls can often produce dangerous and deadly travel hazards on otherwise clear winter days.

The National Weather Service now issues snow-squall warnings, which alert drivers of whiteout conditions and slippery roadways, so motorists can avoid traveling directly into these dangerous squalls.

Motorists should prepare for potential wintry weather by ensuring they have supplies in their cars before heading out: food, water, blankets, extra gloves and hats, cellphone charger, hand or foot warmers, windshield brush and scraper and any specialized items like medications or baby and pet supplies.

For more information on PennDOT’s winter preparations and additional winter-driving resources for motorists, visit the department’s winter website, penndot.pa.gov.

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting 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 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a free smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices by calling 5-1-1.