Weather safety: PennDOT offers these winter weather driving tips:

— Monitor weather forecasts and www.511PA.com, PennDOT’s 24-hour, seven days-a-week travel information center.

— Slow down while driving when snow is falling and always wear a seat belt. Leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicles you are following.

— During squalls or whiteouts, do not stop on the roadway. Come to a complete stop only when you can safely get as far off the road as possible or when there is a safe area to do so.

Motorists are reminded that roadways will not be free of snow while precipitation is falling.

With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form quickly. Motorists should leave plenty of space – six car lengths — — when following a truck that is plowing or spreading winter materials.

PennDOT reminds motorists to pack an emergency kit for their vehicles. A basic kit should include non-perishable food, water, a blanket, small shovel and warm clothes. When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should consider special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly.

PennDOT also reminds citizens that downloadable materials, including home and car emergency kit checklists and emergency plan templates, are available at www.ReadyPA.org or by calling 1-888-9-READYPA.

Citizens can find information about getting involved in local emergency response efforts and other volunteer opportunities through the Web site or the toll-free line.

For more information on winter driving and PennDOT operations, visit www.penndot.gov/winter.