PennDOT Urges Motorists to Avoid Flooded Roadways

With heavy rain forecast for most of Pennsylvania this week, PennDOT is reminding motorists to never drive through flooded roads or around barricades placed by emergency responders. Motorists should also slow down, allow extra travel time and expect delays.

“Motorists should never attempt to drive over flooded roadways,” PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Highway Administration Scott Christie said in a release. “Floodwaters are usually much deeper than they appear. Too often, emergency responders are asked to risk their own lives to pull stranded motorists to safety.”

According to a release, PennDOT crews have cleared storm drains and prepared equipment such as chainsaws, loaders, message boards and barricades in anticipation of roads and bridges being closed due to floodwaters.

When it’s raining or when roads are wet, motorists should reduce their speed, be certain to turn on their headlights and increase the following distance between vehicles. State law requires headlights to be turned on anytime a vehicle’s wipers are used.

Because heavy rains can quickly flood roadways and cause lengthy travel delays, motorists should pack an emergency kit for their vehicles similar to winter emergency kits. A basic kit should include non-perishable food, water, a blanket, and extra clothing. When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should take into account special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly.

Motorists can check road conditions on more than 2,900 miles of state roads by calling 511 or by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, average traffic speeds on urban interstates and access to more than 500 traffic cameras.