Approximately 4.55 million vehicles are expected to travel the PA Turnpike's 550-mile roadway from Christmas Eve through New Year's Day. Typically, the Christmas/New Year's holiday periods are among the busiest long-distance travel periods of the year. About 90 percent of all holiday travel is by car. Most of the traffic is expected to be spread out over the holiday week. The heaviest days are anticipated to be Dec. 23 and Dec. 27-30 with about 550,000 vehicles projected each of those days.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike expects good weather for most of the holiday period.However, a wintry mix of variable precipitation consisting of rain, freezing rain, sleet, or snow is slated early the morning of Dec. 24 in the region of the Laurel Highlands and the Northeastern Extension.During the holiday all construction and maintenance work will be suspended to allow full use of the roadway; all lanes will be available starting 5 a.m. Friday until 11 p.m. on Jan. 2, except in the case of emergencies.Additionally, State Police Troop T, the division in charge of PA Turnpike patrols, will deploy additional patrols to stop drunken drivers, speeders and aggressive motorists."With heavy traffic and the possibility of wintry weather, it's imperative to pay attention, drive at a safe speed, and keep enough distance between vehicles," said Commanding Officer of State Police Troop T, Captain Paul S. Gustaitis.State Police suggest that drivers give themselves extra time for travel, in order to accommodate for traffic and reduce incidents of speeding.They also point out that roads could be slippery due to winter weather and particularly cold temperatures, and recommend careful driving to avoid potential accidents.Long distance drivers are advised to take advantage of rest areas if they feel tired or fatigued, as driving under these conditions could impair your abilities.State police have also announced that there will be increased patrols over the holidays, with troopers looking out for aggressive driving and seat belt violations. Numerous DUI patrols will be conducted as well, ensuring that impaired drivers are removed from the roadways.PA State Police are advising that drivers pay special attention to the following traffic laws, as they are often overlooked:• Keep right, pass left. Pass only on the left, and do not stay in the lane for extended traveling.• Move right for approaching emergency vehicle. If the vehicle approaches from behind yours, pull to the far right side of the road and stop in order to let the emergency vehicle pass. If you happen to be in the oncoming traffic lane, pull to the far right and allow the emergency vehicle to pass.•The Steer Clear Law. Move over or slow down for police, emergency responders, road crews, and tow-truck operators who are on the side of the road.• Headlights on, wipers on. When your wiper blades are in use, make sure to turn your headlights on as well.• Clear vehicles of ice and snow. Before heading out on the road, clear all snow and ice from your vehicle.If snow or ice dislodges from your vehicle and hits a pedestrian or other vehicle, resulting in injury or death, you will be subject to a fine ranging from $200 to $1,000 per offense.