Turnpike Safety

Customer Safety

TICS Regarding Vehicle Maintenance Before Traveling:

• Observe your car before travelling to look for potential mechanical defects. Turn on the lights and check to make sure the headlights and taillights are working properly.
• Check the battery to make sure there is no corrosion on the posts or connections. Consider replacing the battery if your battery is more than three (3) years old.
• Check your oil level and your vehicle Owner's Manual to ensure the oil is changed as recommended.
• Check the condition of your wiper blades and the wiper fluid level; a pair of wiper blades have a life expectancy of approximately one (1) year.
• Check your tires to make sure they have even wearing, plenty of tread depth, and the proper inflation. Tire pressure may be checked monthly and the recommended pressure is printed on the sidewall of the tires.
• Check to make sure your spare tire is available and properly inflated, along with a jack and lug nut wrench.
• Check the fluid levels under the hood to make sure they are at the recommended level as per Owner's Manual.
• Make sure there is a blanket or two in the trunk for cold weather conditions in winter.
• Make sure that you keep the gas tank full in the winter so you don't unexpectedly empty the tank.
• Consider purchasing a triangle reflector kit that is weighted on the bottom to help balance the reflectors during high winds. These reflectors store easily in your vehicle, are easy to set-up, and help identify your location, after proper set-up, to emergency responders.

TICS Regarding Safely Driving Through Turnpike Construction Work Zones:

• Visit The Pennsylvania Turnpike - Construction to plan your trip and allow extra travel time to help ensure you arrive at your destination on time.
• Sign up for FREE as a PA Turnpike Preferred Traveler.
• Turn ON your headlights throughout the work zone; this action increases the likelihood of seeing your vehicle.
• Buckle-up EVERY time you travel to help ensure you arrive safely at your destination.
• Observe and follow work zone signs, delineators, and temporary pavement markings to guide you safely through the work zone. Stay alert at all times and expect the unexpected!
• Construction Equipment may be entering or exiting the roadway at any time; notice where construction vehicle entrances are located and travel the posted work zone speed limit throughout the work zone.
• Allow more space between you and the vehicle in front of you to increase your reaction time to safely react to unforeseen hazards or unintentional roadway debris. Please don't tailgate other vehicles!
• Allow more space between your vehicle and trucks to be able to see their mirrors. Trucks can't see you unless you can see their side mirrors.
• Try not to change lanes or pass other vehicles in work zones; drive safely, especially in work zones.
• Make sure cargo in the rear of your vehicle does not block your vision through the rear-view and side mirrors.

TICS Regarding Help in Construction Work Zones:

• If you have a cellular phone, dial *11 to reach the Turnpike's Operations Center and request assistance.
• Move your vehicle off the roadway to a designated Emergency Pull-off. Do not attempt to hitchhike.
• Place a white handkerchief, or any bright colored cloth, on the radio antenna or car door facing traffic. If you break down at night, turn on the headlights and hazard lights. Remain inside your vehicle. Stay in a safe position away from the traveled roadway.