HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania officials are taking a cutting-edge approach to addressing the dangers of snow squalls, leveraging both technology and collaboration to enhance road safety during the winter months. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike), the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) have joined forces with the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to study and mitigate the hazardous effects of these sudden and intense winter weather events.
Snow squalls, characterized by brief bursts of heavy snow, strong winds, and whiteout conditions, often catch drivers off guard and have been linked to serious, multi-vehicle crashes. To better understand how motorists react during such conditions, the partnership has introduced a virtual reality snow squall simulator created by Dr. Jase Bernhardt of Hofstra University.
“The simulator immerses the participant in a snow squall with 360-degree graphics and surround sound, while vividly depicting what happens when proper caution is not taken,” explained John Banghoff, Lead Meteorologist at NWS State College. Developed with a grant from the Road to Zero Traffic Safety Program and in consultation with NWS meteorologists, the simulator provides a realistic experience designed to help researchers analyze driver behavior in extreme winter weather.
Dr. Bernhardt’s research will document how participants react to the simulated conditions. The findings will allow transportation agencies to develop more relevant messaging and safety protocols for drivers encountering snow squalls, particularly in cases where safely exiting a highway may not be immediately possible.
“We have seen snow squalls occur on the Turnpike, and it definitely affects how people drive, which is why we want to support this study and hopefully help educate drivers on how to safely navigate through a snow squall,” said PA Turnpike Chief Operating Officer Craig Shuey.
The partnership also includes the deployment of various safety tools already in use, such as variable speed limit (VSL) signs installed along key stretches of Pennsylvania’s most snow-prone highways. These electronic signs swiftly adjust speed limits based on current visibility or roadway hazards, with flashing lights to alert drivers when limits are lowered. PennDOT Executive Deputy Secretary Larry Shifflet emphasized the importance of these measures, noting that crashes, serious injuries, fatalities, and full road closures have all decreased significantly at locations where VSL signs are operational.
“If you are driving on an interstate when a snow squall warning is issued, the best thing to do is to exit the roadway at the next opportunity,” Shifflet stated. “If you do get caught driving in a snow squall, avoid slamming on your brakes, turn on your headlights and hazard lights, stay in your lane, and increase your following distance. And buckle up! Your seat belt is your best defense in the event of a crash.”
Data collected by PennDOT shows a 20 percent reduction in crashes along sections of I-80 where VSL signs are installed, with serious injuries and fatalities dropping by 30 percent. Similar results have been seen along I-81, highlighting the effectiveness of these proactive measures.
Furthermore, the collaborative effort between the state and national agencies extends to public communication. On days when snow squalls are predicted, the NWS provides detailed briefings to agencies like PennDOT, the PA Turnpike, and PEMA, enabling them to activate emergency alerts, changeable message signs, and other methods to inform drivers of impending danger ahead of time.
By combining advanced technology, such as the virtual reality simulator, with proven safety tools like VSLs, this initiative represents a comprehensive approach to reducing winter weather-related crashes in Pennsylvania. Officials hope that their combined efforts will not only prevent accidents but also build widespread awareness of how to drive safely during the unpredictable conditions created by snow squalls.
This partnership exemplifies Pennsylvania’s effort to make roads safer for all motorists while harnessing innovation to tackle one of winter’s most dangerous challenges.
Stay safe this winter with the latest updates and tools to navigate Pennsylvania’s roads. Visit the MyChesCo Traffic Center today for live updates, expert tips, and everything you need to stay ahead of the storm. Drive smart. Drive safe.
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