The Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike) has posted winter safety tips for drivers.

People are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather.

State law requires windows and mirrors to be completely clear to improve visibility. People should also clear their car's hood, roof, and trunk.

When driving in inclement winter weather, avoid sudden stops and starts, slow down, and increase following distance. Cruise control should never be used when driving on snow, and drivers should never crowd or pass a plow truck.

When driving in winter, it is important to have an emergency kit handy. For suggestions of what to include in an emergency kit, visit https://tinyurl.com/WinterEmergencyKit.

In addition, the Pennsylvania State Police has offered advice for anyone involved in a crash.

People should move their vehicle as far as possible from the travel lanes if the vehicle can be driven; remaining in the lanes of travel is extremely dangerous.

If a vehicle cannot be driven due to damage or if one of the involved parties is injured, Pennsylvania law requires that the crash be reported to the police. To report an accident, dial 911 right away.

If a person's vehicle is disabled in the lane of travel or stuck in the travel lanes due to snow or ice, the person should remain inside the vehicle with his or her seatbelt on and the hazard lights activated. If it is not safe to remain inside the vehicle, people should assess the situation and get the driver and any passengers to a place of safety such as behind a barrier or guardrail. When exiting a vehicle, move as quickly as possible and do not remain in the travel lanes or near the vehicle.

When encountering a crash scene, drivers are required by law to move over if possible and always slow down. First responders will be active at the scene and focused on helping those involved in the crash and getting the road back open.

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles across the commonwealth, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, 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.

To report an incident or other emergency on the PA Turnpike, dial *11 via mobile phone.