Bitter weather and frequent snowstorms continue to plague the region this winter. Below normal temperatures coupled with the snow have especially made winter travel more treacherous than usual. With that in mind, state Rep. Julie Harhart would like to share some safety tips for motorists.

It is a smart idea to pack an emergency kit for your vehicle in case you become stranded. A basic emergency kit should include nonperishable food, water, blanket, a small snow shovel and warm clothes. You should also include a flashlight with batteries and a candle with matches.To help prevent breakdowns and crashes, be sure your vehicle is in good working order by checking all fluid levels, lights, wiper blades and tire condition, and remove as much snow and ice as possible.Chunks of ice and snow that fly off a vehicle when traveling at higher speeds have been known to cause vehicle accidents and damage to cars and trucks. If snow or ice falls or is dislodged from your vehicle and causes death or serious bodily injury, you could face a fine of $200 to $1,000 under Pennsylvania law.Remember that under Pennsylvania law, vehicle lights must be on every time a vehicle's wipers are on due to inclement weather.It is also important to keep in mind safety tips when encountering a snow plow on the road:• 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 coming toward a motorist, 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 and create a hazard for nearby vehicles.• Never travel next to a plow truck since there are blind spots where the operator can't see and they can occasionally be moved sideways when hitting drifts or heavy snowpack.Another road hazard this time of year is the proliferation of potholes, which can cause damage to vehicles, blow out tires and contribute to vehicle accidents.PennDOT encourages motorists to call 1-800-FIX-ROAD (1-800-349-7623) to report the location of potholes on state roads.Callers are asked to be as specific as possible when reporting pothole locations. When reporting about state routes, callers must provide the county, municipality, street name, or preferably the state route number found on small, black-and-white signs posted along state roadways.When possible, callers should also offer a description of any familiar landmarks that will help PennDOT find the problem area. Once notified, PennDOT will work to quickly address concerns when weather permits.To report potholes on local roads, motorists should contact the municipality in which the pothole is located.The 1-800-FIX-ROAD hot line should not be used to report traffic accidents, disabled vehicles or other emergencies. Motorists should call 911 to report those incidents.