What This Means for You
- Electronic variable speed limits automatically lower speeds on parts of Interstates 80 and 81 during dangerous winter conditions.
- Reduced limits are enforceable, and citations may be issued for unsafe speeds.
- The system is already active; lower speeds are triggered in real time during snow squalls and low-visibility events.
CLEARFIELD, PA — Winter crashes on portions of Interstates 80 and 81 have declined since the state installed electronic variable speed limit signs designed to slow drivers during hazardous weather, according to data released by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
PennDOT reported a 7 percent reduction in winter crashes on Interstate 80 compared with the previous five-year average. Serious injuries and fatalities at those locations declined by 34 percent. On Interstate 81, total crash-related injuries decreased by an average of 6 percent.
Officials highlighted the findings during a visit to PennDOT’s District 2 Regional Traffic Management Center in Clearfield County.
Variable speed limits, or VSLs, are electronic signs that temporarily reduce the posted speed limit when visibility or roadway conditions worsen. When activated, the digital signs display a lower speed and flashing yellow lights alert drivers to the change. Permanent speed limit signs are covered while reduced limits are in effect.
PennDOT has installed 83 VSL signs along Interstate 80 and Interstate 81. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has added 13 along Interstate 70/76 in the Laurel Highlands. Locations were selected based on crash history, frequency of winter weather, and prior roadway closures caused by whiteout conditions lasting more than three hours.
The Federal Highway Administration classifies variable speed limits as a proven safety countermeasure, meaning research shows the strategy reduces serious crashes and roadway fatalities.
State agencies also promoted a free snow squall driving simulation developed in partnership with the National Weather Service. A snow squall is a brief but intense burst of heavy snow — up to 2 inches in 30 minutes — combined with strong winds and visibility reduced to less than one-quarter mile. Such conditions can form rapidly and have been linked to multi-vehicle crashes.
The simulation is available through the Meta Quest Store and online at www.weather.gov/ctp/snowsquall.
When snow squalls are forecast, the National Weather Service briefs PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Agencies may then activate electronic message boards, adjust speed limits, and issue wireless emergency alerts.
State Police said drivers can be cited for traveling at speeds unsafe for conditions, even if they are below the posted limit.
This version:
- Keeps the box.
- Uses a proper impact lede.
- Maintains hard-news structure.
- Avoids blog segmentation.
- Preserves Title Case.
If something still doesn’t align with your newsroom standards, tell me specifically what — and I’ll correct that layer precisely.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.