News For Constituents

 
 

From Senate Republican Policy Development & Research Office

December 18, 2009

Winterize Your Vehicle

As winter arrives, it is time to ensure your vehicle is ready for the snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

To maintain a weather-ready vehicle, motorists should check that:

  • Fluid levels are full;
  • Wipers and the heater and defroster are working properly;
  • The radio is working properly to receive weather and traffic reports;
  • All lights work; and
  • Tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth.

In addition, it is a good idea to have the brakes, battery, hoses, and belts checked by a mechanic.  See PennDOT's Winter Driving Guide for winter driving tips and a list of items for an emergency travel kit.

Choosing a Real Tree This Year? 

If you will be choosing a real Christmas tree this year, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) is encouraging you to visit one of the more than 2,000 Christmas tree farms, covering 45,000 acres across the Keystone State.  Christmas tree sales should contribute $17.3 million to the State's economy, according to the PDA.

The Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association offers a map to help you locate a Christmas Tree Farm in your county. Consult the Christmas Tree Retailer list for details on location, hours, and types of trees available as well as related services such as baling, saws, and carts.  Many retailers offer horse, tractor, and wagon rides along with petting zoos, model train exhibits, and gift shops.

Tips for caring for a real tree are available through the Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association.  Information is also available on recycling your Christmas Tree after the holiday.

December Peak Month for Candle Fires

Chances are there will be a candle lit during your holiday celebrations.  According to the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner, December is the peak month for candle fires and Christmas is the peak day.

You can significantly reduce the possibility of a devastating fire in your home by exercising a few candle fire safety tips:

  • Never put candles near Christmas trees, decorations, clothing or paper.
  • Do not put candles in windows near blinds or curtains.
  • Allow nothing that can burn within a one foot safety circle around a burning candle.
  • Always extinguish candles after use, when leaving the room, and when going to bed.
  • Avoid carrying a lit candle and don't use a lighted candle in a closet while looking for things.
  • Trim all candle wicks to one quarter inch; put out the candle when it burns down to two inches high.

It is estimated that 7 of 10 homes use candles today.  An estimated 15,600 fires in residential structures, 150 deaths, 1,270 injuries, and $539 million in estimated direct property damage each year are attributed to candles.

Access the home fire safety information webpage available from the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner for more home fire safety information.

'Tie One on for Safety' Campaign

Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are joining safety advocates in the "Tie One on for Safety" Campaign throughout the 2009 holiday season.

PSP's marked cars will display the classic red ribbon adopted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to urge all motorists to tie a red ribbon on their vehicles as a pledge to drive safe, sober, and buckled up during the holidays and throughout the year.  The ribbons will be tied to the left rear door handles of PSP patrol vehicles, according to PSP.

As part of its campaign to keep impaired drivers off the road, PSP will conduct random sobriety checkpoints in each of the 15 regional State Police troops.

Clear the Way for Holiday Travel

Clear the way for your holiday travel before you step out the door.  Access real time traffic alerts, road conditions, transportation alternatives, links to tourism hotspots, and other warnings thanks to the integrated 511 Pennsylvania System.

Dial 511 from any phone or log on to Pennsylvania's official travel information service at www.511PA.com for details relating to traffic incidents, construction activities, and winter road conditions available through the use of live traffic cameras, PennDOT personnel, construction crews, and the Pennsylvania State and local police. Contributions to the system also come from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the National Weather Service, and private traffic information services. Transit information is provided directly by local public transportation agencies. When outside of Pennsylvania, call 1-877-511-PENN (7366).

Motorists with devices that support email or Short Message Service (SMS) may subscribe to receive notices of accidents, incidents, and construction on the state highways and toll roads selected. Alerts are then sent to a subscriber's cell phone, PDA, or e-mail account. Consult the 511PA Fact Sheet for directions to subscribe to the system of Personalized Traveler Alerts

Motorists are encouraged to exercise caution by not using a hand-held cell phone while driving. The use of a hands-free accessory will allow a driver to keep both hands on the wheel. PennDOT supplies a list of safety rest areas for added convenience.