(File Photo of the PennDOT Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver COunty Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that due to the upcoming winter storm, restrictions on the I-279 and I-579 High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes in the City of Pittsburgh and Ross Township began. Beginning at approximately 11:00 PM last night, the HOV lanes closed to traffic due to anticipated weather conditions. Crews will monitor the roads and determine when these HOV lanes are safe to reopen and more information will be provided in advance of reopening those lanes. According to a release from PennDOT District 11, PennDOT offers this advice if drivers must travel and encounter snow squalls or blowing or drifting snow, even though the safest choice is avoiding or delaying unnecessary travel during winter weather conditions.

• 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. Here are some suggestions of what you could include in your emergency kit.