The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC), PennDOT, and Pennsylvania’s emergency management agency are partnering with the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to study how snow squalls affect driving. According to a PTC news release, “Due to their isolated and intense nature, snow squalls can catch drivers off guard and lead to major transportation impacts, including multi-vehicle crashes.”
A virtual reality snow squall simulator under development at Hofstra University will be employed in the research. The simulator will be used to evaluate drivers’ responses in a snow squall. The resulting data will be used by PTC and the other participating agencies to inform procedures for activating roadside electronic sign messaging, variable speed limits, and wireless emergency alerts. The news release includes information on PennDOT’s use of variable speed limit signs along I-80 and I-81 to improve traffic safety when adverse driving conditions are in effect.