FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2019
Harrisburg, PA – In response to Winter Storm Scott, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) troopers responded to disabled vehicles, crashes, and helped enforce the commercial vehicle restrictions implemented by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and PA Turnpike to keep travelers safe.
In anticipation of the winter storm, restrictions were announced on Friday and implemented through Sunday. Following the storm, commercial vehicle restrictions were lifted on Monday as conditions improved across the state.
"The Pennsylvania State Police continues to work with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the PA Turnpike, and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to appropriately restrict roadways in an effort to reduce commercial vehicle crashes and prevent injuries," said Major James Basinger, director of the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Patrol. "The team effort between agencies is used to keep the roadways open throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."
2018-2019 Winter Storm Commercial Vehicle (CMV) Crashes | | | | |
Storm | CMV Restrictions? (Y/N) | Total CMV Crashes | CMV Crashes on Restricted Roads | CMV Crashes with Injuries |
Avery (November 15-16, 2018) | N | 97 | N/A | 14 |
Harper (January 19-20, 2019) | Y | 12 | 6 | 2 |
Maya (February 12, 2019) | Y | 47 | 17 | 6 |
Scott (March 3, 2019) | Y | 20 | 8 | 1 |
Due to less restrictions placed on commercial vehicles and roadways, a reduction in enforcement numbers was noted. Troopers still issued a total of 245 citations and 14 warnings to drivers who disregarded Sunday's commercial vehicle restrictions under §6108 of the vehicle code, which grants the Governor the ability to modify the vehicle code during a declared emergency.
2019 Winter Storm Enforcement | | |
Storm | §6108 Citations | §6108 Warnings |
Harper (January 19-20, 2019) | 993 | 222 |
Maya (February 12, 2019) | 827 | 59 |
Scott (March 3, 2019) | 245 | 14 |
TOTAL | 2,065 | 295 |
A citation for failing to observe travel restrictions during a state of emergency carries a fine of $300 plus applicable court costs.
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov.
MEDIA CONTACT: Trooper Brent Miller, 717-783-5556