The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is urging motorists to never drive through flooded roadways.
When heavy rain is in the forecast, motorists should be alert for potential flooding on roadways and in low-lying areas. Drivers should always obey warning signs and traffic control devices, and never drive through flooding or standing water on roads. Shallow, swiftly flowing water can wash a car from a roadway. Also, the roadbed may not be intact under the water.
Anyone who drives around barriers intended to close a road can face increased penalties and fines up to $500 if emergency responders are called to rescue motorists who disregard traffic control signs.
Motorists are also reminded that Pennsylvania law requires headlights to be turned on anytime a vehicle's wipers are needed. Drivers should turn on their full headlights during rain events as the daylight running lights feature on some vehicles does not automatically turn on the taillights.
PennDOT also reminds everyone to "Turn Around, Don't Drown!" in flash flooding! For more information about flooding, visit the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency's Flood page or https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
More information about how to prepare for any type of emergency, including specific information for people with access and functional needs or pets, is available on the Ready PA webpage.
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.
Information about state infrastructure in Pennsylvania, including completed work and significant projects, can be found at PennDOT.pa.gov/results. Find PennDOT's planned and active construction projects at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/projects-near-you.html.
Subscribe to local PennDOT news or statewide PennDOT news on the department’s website.