The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Pennsylvania State Police, and the National Weather Service last week highlighted that Shapiro Administration’s investments in Variable Speed Limit signs cross the Commonwealth have saved lives — leading to an average of 7% fewer winter crashes and a 34% decrease in serious injuries and fatalities in these crashes.

PennDOT also reminded Pennsylvanians of the resources — including a snow squall driving simulation — available to help them stay safe while driving in winter weather.

“Safe driving is important year-round, but it’s even more essential in the winter when weather conditions can change quickly,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “If you receive a snow squall warning while driving on an interstate, the best thing to do is take the next exit and find a safe place to park. If that’s not possible, stay in your lane and slow down gradually, increasing your following distance. Turn on your headlights and hazard lights so other vehicles can see you. And buckle up! Your seat belt could save your life if you are in a crash.”

According to the NWS, a snow squall is a brief and intense period of heavy snow (up to 2 inches in 30 minutes), strong winds (30+ mph), and whiteout conditions (visibility less than ¼ mile). Due to their isolated and intense nature, snow squalls can catch drivers off guard and lead to major transportation impacts, including multi-vehicle crashes.

“Snow squalls can create dangerous driving conditions in just seconds, so the best defense is planning ahead to avoid them,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield.

“Check the forecast before traveling and consider delaying trips when snow squalls are expected. Plus, consider stocking your vehicle with basic emergency supplies like blankets, water, a flashlight, and a phone charger to be ready for emergencies that may occur any time you’re driving.”

“While the PA Turnpike has 24-hour roadway maintenance in the winter months, we still need people to slow down in these conditions and let our crews do their jobs,” said PA Turnpike Chief Operating Officer Craig Shuey. “Stay safely behind the plow trucks and do not pass them as they work. It will keep everyone safe.”

Last January, Hofstra University announced that Professor Dr. Jase Bernhardt developed a virtual reality snow squall simulator in partnership with the NWS to help drivers visualize what it is like to drive into a snow squall. The snow squall driving simulation is now available to all drivers on both the Meta Quest Store (virtual reality headset) and online (for use with a desktop computer), free of charge.

“This immersive VR simulation places drivers in a realistic snow squall scenario complete with many of the visual and audible cues a Pennsylvania motorist would encounter,” said NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist Jonathan Guseman. “By experiencing these conditions firsthand, drivers gain a deeper understanding of snow squall severity and the recommended lifesaving actions to take when a Snow Squall Warning is issued.”

On days when snow squalls are possible, NWS will brief its partners, including the PA Turnpike, PennDOT, PEMA, and other public safety and emergency management officials. These agencies can then activate changeable message signs, variable speed limits, and wireless emergency alerts to convey the impending danger from snow squalls to drivers and the public.

As part of these safety measures, variable speed limit signs quickly reduce speed limits when visibility or roadway conditions present the need for more cautious driving, such as during a snow squall. PennDOT has 83 VSL signs located along Interstate 80 and I-81 and the PA Turnpike has 13 VSL signs along I-70/76 in the Laurel Highlands, one of the snowiest regions in the state. Locations were chosen based on crash and weather data, such as frequency of wintry conditions that demand safer driving, and where crashes caused by whiteout conditions led to roadway closures of more than three hours, including 36 locations along I-81 from I-78 to I-80 in Lebanon (five locations), Luzerne (seven locations), and Schuylkill (24 locations) counties.

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 drivers are aware of the change.

If you do drive into a squall, the agencies offer this advice:

• Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits conditions.

• Turn on your headlights. If caught in a snow squall, turn on your hazard lights.

• Stay in your lane and increase your following distance.

• Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.

• Do not drive distracted; your full attention is required.

• Use your defroster and wipers.

• Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.

• During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely pull off the roadway.

• Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could cause a chain-reaction collision.

• Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.

• Always buckle up and never drive impaired.

• Have an emergency kit handy. Visit ReadyPA for a list of emergency supplies to keep in your car.