PA. District 3 Community Traffic Safety Project

07/30/2025

Tips for Sharing the Road with Slow-Moving Vehicles:
• Vehicles designed to travel 25 mph or less and horse-drawn vehicles are required by law to display a fluorescent orange triangle surrounded by red bands. When you see this symbol on the rear of any vehicle, slow down immediately and maintain a safe following distance.
• Do not pass a slow-moving vehicle if:
• You cannot see clearly in front of you and the vehicle you intend to pass;
• There are curves or hills in the road ahead;
• You are in a designated "No Passing Zone"; or
• You are within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad crossing, bridge, elevated structure or tunnel.
• Do not assume that a vehicle operator who pulls the vehicle to the right side of the road is turning right or letting you pass. The vehicle operator may be swinging wide to execute a left-hand turn.
• Operators of farm vehicles usually are in a better position to see oncoming traffic. They are usually willing to signal drivers when it is safe to pass, provided they know there is a vehicle behind them. Use your vehicle's horn to let the farmer know you are there.
• When approaching a horse-drawn vehicle, give it plenty of room when following or passing, use your low beams and NEVER use your horn as it may spook the horses.
• Watch closure time while on rural roads. Closure time is the time a driver has to recognize and respond to a slow-moving vehicle. Farm vehicles usually travel less than 25 mph, while horse-drawn vehicles range in speeds between 5 and 8 mph. Be alert and prepared to stop.
To learn more about traffic safety, please visit www.penndot.pa.gov/safety

07/30/2025

Have you ever heard of the CHAD sticker for your child's car or booster seat?
CHAD (Children Have An iDentity) stickers can speak up for your child when you are not able to.
Fill out a CHAD sticker and put it on your child's car seat to identify him or her if you or another adult can't. First responders know to look for these when needed.
The CHAD safety seat child identification program has been developed as a result of a traffic crash involving a 13-month-old boy named Chad. The babysitter who was driving was killed. Chad was injured, but no one at the scene knew his identity. Only because an emergency room nurse recognized him could his parents be quickly located and his injuries be treated.

07/29/2025

Tips to avoid aggressive driving
1. Stay calm and keep your emotions in check.
2. Plan ahead and anticipate delays.
3. Focus on your own driving. ...
4. Avoid creating a situation that may cause provocation.
5. Give angry drivers plenty of room.
6. Avoid eye contact.
7. Use the left lane only when passing.
8. Use your horn sparingly.

07/28/2025

To safely share the road with motorcycles, drivers should be aware of motorcyclists' vulnerability and take extra precautions. This includes checking blind spots, using turn signals, maintaining a safe following distance, and being extra cautious at intersections. Motorcyclists should also make themselves visible and be aware of their surroundings.

07/24/2025

Teach your children traffic safety, focus on practical skills and positive reinforcement, starting with pedestrian safety. Teach them to stop, look, and listen before crossing, and always hold hands when near roads. Explain traffic signals and signs, emphasizing the importance of obeying them.

07/23/2025

07/22/2025

Have you ever heard of Yellow DOT? Everyone should have this in their vehicle. Check it out--------------> Learn more and request your kit at https://www.pa.gov/.../sign-up-for-the-yellow-dot-safety....

In an emergency, time is of the essence. Pennsylvania offers two programs that help first responders collect vital information after a traffic crash or emergency.

Placing a Yellow Dot decal in your vehicle's rear window alerts first responders to check your glove compartment for a booklet. You'll have the option to include information about medical conditions, allergies, emergency contact info and more. Learn more and request your kit at https://www.pa.gov/services/penndot/sign-up-for-the-yellow-dot-safety-program.html.

By keeping up-to-date emergency contact information in our system, you'll be giving law enforcement the ability to quickly reach someone who will speak for you if ever you cannot speak for yourself. Learn more and submit your information here: https://www.pa.gov/services/dmv/update-emergency-contact-information.html.

07/22/2025

Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law requires drivers approaching an emergency response area who are unable to safely merge into a lane farther away from the response area to "pass the emergency response area at a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit and reasonable for safely passing." An emergency response area is where an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing, or where road crews or emergency responders have lighted flares, posted signs, or try to warn travelers.

07/21/2025

07/18/2025

Bike riding is a fun and healthy activity, but it's crucial to prioritize safety, especially for children.

07/17/2025

Wide Turns are Necessary: Tractor-trailers are long and require a wider turning radius than typical passenger vehicles. To safely navigate a right turn, the truck driver often needs to swing the cab to the left. This maneuver ensures the trailer can clear the corner without hitting the curb or other obstacles.
Blind Spots are Dangerous: Large trucks have significant blind spots, especially on the right side. If you pull up beside a truck in the right-hand lane while it's attempting to turn, the driver may not see you. This is particularly true for the area extending back from the passenger side mirror. If you can't see the truck driver's face in their side mirror, they likely cannot see you.
The Risk of Attempting to pass a turning truck on the right can lead to a dangerous "squeeze play" accident. In such a collision, the turning truck can trap or even crush your vehicle between the trailer and the curb or the trailer wheels.

07/16/2025

Before you drive:
Secure your phone: Turn it off or silence it, and place it out of reach (e.g., glove compartment).
Adjust settings: Set your GPS, radio, and climate controls before starting your journey.
Plan your route: Familiarize yourself with your route to avoid constantly checking navigation while driving.
Secure loose items: Ensure all loose items in your car are properly stored to prevent them from rolling around and causing distractions.
Rest and eat: Avoid driving when tired or hungry. Stop to eat and drink when necessary.
Secure children and pets: Make sure children are properly restrained in car seats, and pets are in carriers or secured in the back.
Communicate with passengers: Let your passengers know you need to focus on driving and ask for their help in minimizing distractions.