Bitter weather and frequent snowstorms continue to plague the region this winter.

The below-normal temperatures coupled with the snow have especially made winter travel more treacherous than usual.

With that in mind, I would like to take this opportunity to share some safety tips for motorists.

It is a smart idea to pack an emergency kit for your vehicle in case you become stranded.

A basic emergency kit should include non-perishable food, water, blanket, a small snow shovel and warm clothes. It is also recommended drivers include a flashlight with batteries and a candle with matches.

Of course, to help prevent breakdowns and crashes, be sure your vehicle is in good working order by checking all fluid levels, lights, wiper blades and tire condition, and remove as much snow and ice as possible.

Chunks of ice and snow that fly off a vehicle when traveling at higher speeds have been known to cause vehicle accidents and damage to cars and trucks.

If snow or ice falls or is dislodged from your vehicle and causes death or serious bodily injury, you could face a fine of $200 to $1,000 under Pennsylvania law.

Also remember that under Pennsylvania law, vehicle lights must be on every time a vehicle's wipers are on due to inclement weather.

It is also important to keep in mind safety tips when encountering a snow plow on the road:

·Stay at least six car lengths behind an operating plow truck and remember the main plow is wider than the truck.

·Be alert, since plow trucks generally travel much more slowly than other traffic.

·When a plow truck is coming toward a motorist, move as far away from the center of the road as is safely possible, and remember snow can obscure the actual snow plow width.

·Never try to pass or get between several trucks plowing side by side in a "plow train." The weight of the snow thrown from the plow can quickly cause smaller vehicles to lose control and create a hazard for nearby vehicles.

·Never travel next to a plow truck since there are blind spots where the operator can't see and they can occasionally be moved sideways when hitting drifts or heavy snowpack.

Another road hazard that often takes place during this time of year is the proliferation of potholes.

Potholes develop when water seeps below the road through small cracks in the pavement surface.

As the water repeatedly freezes and thaws, a cavity below the road is formed and larger cracks develop, causing the pavement to crumble.

Potholes can cause damage to vehicles, blow out tires and contribute to vehicle accidents. PennDOT encourages motorists to call 1-800-FIX-ROAD (1-800-349-7623) to report the location of potholes on state roads.

By State Representative Julie Harhart, R-183