PA. District 3 Community Traffic Safety Project

03/04/2026

03/04/2026

🚗 Drivers: don't ignore the signs.

🚶 Pedestrians: follow signals and use crosswalks.

Remember — at some point in the day, EVERYONE is a pedestrian.

03/04/2026

Don’t Rely on Luck to Keep You Safe
When it comes to keeping yourself and your loved ones safe on Pennsylvania roadways, don’t rely on the luck of the Irish. Preliminary data from PennDOT shows there were 279 crashes on St. Patrick’s Day last year resulting in 2 fatalities and 140 injuries.
There are simple things you can do to stay safe in your travels:
• Stay Focused on the Road: Anything that causes you to take you attention away from driving, take your eyes off the road, or your hands of the wheel is a distraction. As a reminder, the Paul Miller’s Law bands the use of hand-held devices while driving.
• Always Drive Sober: Thirty-five percent of crash deaths involve an impaired driver. Don’t be a part of the statistic. Plan a safe ride home before heading out to celebrate.
• Follow the Speed Limit: Speeding and other aggressive driving behaviors are among the leading factors of highway crashes and fatalities in Pennsylvania. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to negotiate curves or around obstacles and increases the distance traveled before a vehicle can stop.
• Wear a Seat Belt: Wearing your seat belt is your best defense against injury or death in the event of a crash. A seat belt increases your chances of surviving a crash by up to 60 percent.
Stay safe and Happy St. Patrick’s Day.
For more traffic safety information, please visit pa.gov/dotsafety.

02/25/2026

https://www.nhtsa.gov/older-drivers/driving-safely-while-aging-gracefully

A self-assessment tool for older drivers who want to be sure that they are keeping themselves, and everyone else around them, safe on the road.

02/25/2026

When it comes to your new teen driver, oversight is critical:
📋 Set driving ground rules with your teen.
💬 Explain the consequences, then put it in writing.
🔐 Enforce the rules.

More tips for your teen driver here: NHTSA.gov/TeenDriving

02/25/2026

As we approach the spring equinox, drivers should be aware that sun glare is a significant concern, especially during the peak sun glare season from mid-October to early March. Sun glare significantly reduces visibility and increases crash risk, but using polarized sunglasses, sun visors, clean windshields, and cautious driving can greatly improve safety.

02/23/2026

Driver & Passengers + Seat Belts = 4ever. ❤️

02/20/2026

🚗 Pennsylvania Highway Safety Law Awareness Week
A Message for Teen Drivers & Families

🔑 Know the PA Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Requirements
Pennsylvania’s GDL system is designed to build skills gradually and reduce crash risks for new drivers. Key requirements include:

6‑month learning period before taking the road test.

65 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night and 5 in poor weather, verified by a parent or guardian.

Nighttime driving restriction: No driving between 11 PM–5 AM, unless traveling for work/volunteer purposes with documentation.

Passenger limits: Only one non‑family passenger under 18 until gaining more experience.

02/20/2026

If you hear a siren or see a vehicle approaching from any direction with flashing red and/or blue lights, pull over to the side of the road & stop, staying clear of intersections. Start driving again only after the emergency vehicle passes you.

02/09/2026

Here Are Some Driving Safety Tips Every Truck Driver Should Know:
-Reduce speed in winter conditions.
-Increase following and stopping distance.
-Brake early to help prevent jackknifing on snow and ice.

Be Prepared keep essential winter supplies in your cab, including:
-Ice scraper
-Warm clothing
-Emergency triangles
-Traction aid
-Food and water
-Phone charger

Staying prepared helps keep you safe on the road in severe winter conditions.

02/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT: Kim Smith, kiasmit@pa.gov or 570-368-4344

PennDOT, Safety Partners Urge Designated Driving on Super Bowl Sunday

Montoursville, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Geisinger Medical Center, and the Highway Safety Network joined today at Geisinger’s Muncy campus to urge designated driving and responsible party hosting on Super Bowl Sunday.

Attendees at the “Super Bowl Fun Day” event were able to test their driving skills on an impaired driving simulator. Geisinger campus police engaged participants in DUI field sobriety tests using impairment goggles. Traffic safety materials covering impaired, distracted, and aggressive driving were also distributed.

According to preliminary PennDOT data, last year in Pennsylvania there were 287 crashes resulting in five fatalities and 176 injuries on Super Bowl Sunday through 6:00 AM Monday. Alcohol and drugs were involved in 57 of those crashes resulting in three fatalities and 36 injuries.

Drivers are reminded alcohol is not the only drug that impairs driving; illegal, prescription and over-the-counter drugs can affect one’s driving as well. Medications mixed with alcohol can exaggerate alcohol’s effects causing even greater impairment.

Before heading out, make a game plan that includes a sober driver, someone who will not drink at all, and who will safely bring you home. Remember, it is never okay to drive impaired.

Those hosting a Super Bowl party should prepare plenty of snacks and non-alcohol drinks for guests and designated drivers. Hosts should encourage guests to designate their sober drivers in advance, and to eat food and drink plenty of water. An important reminder: It is never okay to serve alcohol to minors. If an underage person drinks and drives, the person who provided the alcohol can be held liable for any damage, injury, or death caused by the underage driver.

For more information on impaired driving, visit pa.gov/dotsafety

EDITOR’S NOTE: Super Bowl Checklist graphic attached

02/05/2026

The greatest dangers that lead to teen fatalities include:

⚫ Inconsistent seat belt use
⚫ Speeding
⚫ Distracted driving
⚫ Alcohol

Safety starts at home!