Kathy's License Service

01/06/2023

My grandmother always drank her coffee like this! I thought it was because it was too hot.
Do you remember older generations drinking from their saucer? Then today I came across this poem that made me feel there was symbolism to the coffee ritual.
Drinking from My Saucer
by John Paul Moore
I’ve never made a fortune and it’s probably too late now.
But I don’t worry about that much, I’m happy anyhow.
And as I go along life’s way, I’m reaping better than I sowed.
I’m drinking from my saucer, ‘Cause my cup has overflowed.
I don’t have a lot of riches, and sometimes the going’s tough.
But I’ve got loved ones around me, and that makes me rich enough.
I thank God for his blessings, and the mercies He’s bestowed.
I’m drinking from my saucer, ’Cause my cup has overflowed.
I remember times when things went wrong, my faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped through again.
So God, help me not to gripe about the tough rows that I’ve hoed.
I’m drinking from my saucer, ‘Cause my cup has overflowed.
If God gives me strength and courage, when the way grows steep and rough.
I’ll not ask for other blessings, I’m already blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads.
Then I’ll keep drinking from my saucer, ‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

12/30/2022

12/30/2022

✅The end of Kathy's License Service has arrived.
🙏Thank you all for over 33 years of support.
‼️Have a wonderful 2023‼️

12/30/2022

PennDOT - Statewide News
Wolf Administration Reminds Pennsylvanians to Heed Winter Weather Threats This Holiday Weekend

​Harrisburg, PA – The Wolf Administration is urging Pennsylvanians to pay attention to weather forecasts and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions and brutal cold this holiday weekend.

"Many people are traveling to spend time with friends and family this weekend, so it's important to know the forecast for your home, your destination and points along your intended travel route," said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. "We can't control the weather, but we each can control how informed and prepared we are, so that we can make decisions that keep our loved ones safe."

According to the National Weather Service, a dangerous winter storm arriving Thursday will bring numerous hazards from west to east across the state, including icing, snowfall, a flash freeze, and dangerous winds and cold that will last through the weekend.

Thursday morning, we can expect ice and snow, particularly in the central and northern mountains. Throughout the day temperatures will rise, bringing rain statewide and the threat of isolated flash flooding for central and eastern Pennsylvania overnight into Friday.

A dramatic drop in temperatures Friday morning and early afternoon could cause of a flash freeze, meaning any water left on the roadways or sidewalks will quickly freeze and make travel difficult. Strong winds gusting up to 50-60 miles per hour could also bring down power lines and tree limbs. Wind chills will reach negative teens and 20s Friday night, creating hypothermia and frostbite hazards. Homeowners should also be aware of the threat of frozen water pipes.

The dangerous cold and windy weather will continue into Sunday, for the Christmas holiday. For northwestern Pennsylvanians, lake effect snow will kick in on Friday with blowing and accumulating snow lasting into Sunday.

"We know that many Pennsylvanians are looking forward to their holiday plans," said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. "If you're planning to travel, don't forget to check 511PA.com or the 511PA smartphone app for the latest weather and travel information. The PennDOT team is ready and will work before and throughout the storm to help keep motorists safe during this busy travel season."
Because temperatures will be very low, the potential for icy roads is high, and PennDOT urges motorists to avoid travel if possible. But if travel is necessary, use caution, reduce speeds and be aware of changing weather conditions. PennDOT has been pre-treating roadways to help prevent ice from forming a bond with the pavement during the early stages of a storm. However, salt is not a silver bullet, and drivers may encounter icy spots on the roadway. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form without warning.

If motorists encounter snow or ice-covered roads, they should slow down, increase their following distance and avoid distractions. Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary data shows that there were 151 crashes resulting in three fatalities and 81 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways where aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding or making careless lane changes were factors.

To help make decisions regarding winter travel, motorists are encouraged to "Know Before You Go" by checking conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. Users can also see plow truck statuses and travel alerts along a specific route using the "Check My Route" tool. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts.

For more information on safe winter travel, an emergency kit checklist and information on PennDOT's winter operations, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/winter. Additional winter driving and other highway safety information is available at www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.

"This upcoming frigid weather will create safety hazards, so it is important to bundle up to stay safe if you must go outside," Acting Secretary of Health and Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson said. "To avoid frostbite and hypothermia, I advise you to cover all exposed skin, dress in layers, wear water resistant clothing to stay dry, drink warm beverages and take frequent breaks from the cold. Please keep an eye on yourself and your neighbors for effects of freezing temperatures. If anyone starts to continuously shiver, they should go inside, as that is their body's way of saying it is getting too cold."

The PSP reminds motorists that Pennsylvania has a new law requiring snow and ice removal from motor vehicles and motor carrier vehicles. The law says drivers must reasonably attempt to remove accumulated snow and ice from hoods, trunks and roofs within the 24 hours following a winter storm. Drivers face a $50 fine if the buildup endangers people or property, regardless of whether any anow or ice was dislodged.

State law also makes it unlawful to drive a motor vehicle if ice or snow on the windshield, rear window, or side windows obstructs, obscures or impairs the driver's clear view of the highway or any intersecting highway.

Pennsylvania's Move Over Law requires drivers who are approaching an emergency response area and are unable to safely merge into a lane further away to slow at least 20 mph under the speed limit. Emergency response areas include tow trucks that are assisting disabled motorists.

Finally, headlights must be turned on any time the windshield wipers are being used continuously or intermittently for precipitation such as rain, snow or sleet.

The State Police urges drivers to postpone any travel that isn't absolutely necessary. If you must travel, make sure someone knows where you are going and when you expect to arrive. Be sure to have your cell phone and a charger. Check weather forecasts and travel advisories before you walk out the door.

"Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures could make this a dangerous and costly winter storm for Pennsylvanians who aren't prepared for closed roads and high winds," said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. "We urge those in the agriculture industry, as well as pet owners, to plan ahead to minimize risks for your animals and your facilities. Provide shelter for livestock and pets, stockpile feed, monitor your buildings for wind damage or ice and snow accumulation."

Redding provided the following pet and livestock safety tips:

Protect animals from the wind.
Provide adequate clean, dry bedding.
Keep animals clean and dry to maximize the insulating properties of their coats.
Change water often to prevent it from freezing. Pets need water to prevent dehydration, which can contribute to hypothermia.
Provide additional feed, including hay and grain, to livestock. Ensure that it remains unfrozen.
Never leave pets in parked cars. Parked cars amplify the effects of cold weather.
Contact your veterinarian if your animals show signs of hypothermia including shivering, lethargy, low heartrate and unresponsiveness.
Monitor buildings – especially those with gently-pitched roofs – and remove accumulated snow, ice, and overhanging limbs to prevent collapse.
Travelers should be sure to pack an emergency travel kit. The kit should include a flashlight with fresh batteries, jumper cables, first aid supplies, blankets, cell phone charger, bottled water, and non-perishable foods. Families who must travel with infants or pets should consider extra formula or pet food.
More information about how to prepare for any type of emergency, including free downloadable checklists of items to keep in your home, car, and at work, and specific information for people with access and functional needs or pets, is available on the Ready PA webpage.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Ruth A. Miller (PEMA) – [email protected]
Alexis Campbell (DOT) – [email protected]
Shannon Powers (Ag) – 717.603.2056, [email protected]
PSP Communications – [email protected]
Mark O'Neill (DOH) – [email protected]

12/30/2022

PennDOT - Statewide News
Wolf Cuts Ribbon on Fern Hollow Bridge, Celebrates Government That Works for Pennsylvania

​Pittsburgh, PA – Today, Governor Tom Wolf participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Fern Hollow Bridge in Pittsburgh, which is expected to reopen to traffic by the end of December.

The Fern Hollow Bridge, which is owned by the City of Pittsburgh and carries Forbes Avenue over Frick Park, Fern Hollow Creek and Tranquil Trail, collapsed on the morning of January 28, 2022.

"I was here on January 28 to survey the damage from the collapse, and today, less than a year later, I stand before a bridge that is nearly ready to reopen to traffic," said Gov. Wolf. "This is the power of government working for the people in Pennsylvania. I'm thankful to all of our partners in state, local and federal government for your partnership and coordination to rebuild the Fern Hollow Bridge in less than a year. It's an honor to be here to celebrate this incredible milestone for Pittsburgh."

Immediately following the collapse, Gov. Wolf and Mayor Gainey issued Declaration of Disaster Emergency Proclamations, which allowed the City of Pittsburgh to enter into a legal agreement to allow the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to manage the design and construction of the new Fern Hollow Bridge. The proclamations also provided the Federal Highway Administration and PennDOT the approval to immediately contract with Swank Construction Company and HDR Inc. for the removal of the collapsed structure, and the design and construction of the new Fern Hollow Bridge.

Thanks to collaboration with the City of Pittsburgh and PennDOT's innovative approach to the standard design process, multiple design phases occurred simultaneously including foundation, substructure, superstructure, utility relocation, environmental and aesthetic aspects of the project, which allowed project delivery to be expedited by multiple years. The bridge is expected to open to traffic by the end of December 2022 – less than a year after the collapse.

Gov. Wolf was joined at the ribbon cutting ceremony by PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian, US Department of Transportation Director of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Implementation Katie Thomson, Mayor Ed Gainey, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Senator Jay Costa, Representative Dan Frankel and PennDOT District 11 Executive Cheryl Moon-Sirianni.

"This new bridge is the result of incredible collaboration," said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. "And thanks to the federal investment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we were able to quickly mobilize to rebuilt this bridge without impacting funds for other important projects."

"The U.S. Department of Transportation is proud to support the City of Pittsburgh, PennDOT and other project partners who collaborated so effectively to rebuild the Fern Hollow Bridge," said USDOT Director of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Implementation Katie Thomson. "This spirit of teamwork meant decisions could be made quickly and this vital link for all transportation modes was able to be restored in record time. This remarkable achievement speaks to the professionalism of all involved and dedication to serving the traveling public."

"This is a historic day for Pittsburgh," said Mayor Ed Gainey. "The rebuilding of Fern Hollow bridge in less than one year shows what we can accomplish when we work together. Thank you to President Biden, Governor Wolf, PennDOT, and everyone who made this day possible."

"Today's event underscores the importance of working together collaboratively to address the biggest issues in our community," said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. "From the first response, to the efforts to secure federal infrastructure funding, to the work done by Governor Wolf, Secretary Gramian and PennDOT with the City of Pittsburgh, this project has been a model of what can be accomplished when everyone contributes to finding solutions and taking action. Less than a year after the collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge, we mark its forthcoming opening. Congratulations to everyone involved in the effort and thank you to President Biden and all of our partners on the federal level for their work to get the federal infrastructure bill passed."

"It's so important that every Pennsylvanian gets where they are going safely," said Sen. Jay Costa. "From work to school to errands to spending time with friends, we all deserve the infrastructure necessary to travel and return home safe and sound. I'm so glad that we have pulled the resources together to repair the Fern Hollow Bridge. Rebuilding this bridge has reunited two communities and will soon allow for the safe passage of over 21,000 cars and buses per day. At the end of the day, this was an all hands on deck effort, and I look forward to continuing the critical work of delivering sound roads and bridges across Allegheny County and Pennsylvania."

"Getting our bridge rebuilt in under a year was an enormous lift, so I am deeply grateful that the Wolf administration understood that that our emergency response, our families and our small businesses were all relying on their state government to make it happen," Rep. Dan Frankel said. "This is a very expensive and disruptive lesson to state and federal legislators that we must invest in our infrastructure."

Substructure, superstructure, and concrete deck placement work has been completed. Bridge deck overlay and wingwall work will occur through the spring of 2023. Bridge barrier installation, pedestrian railing, and line painting are anticipated to be finished by late December to allow the bridge to open to a single-lane of bi-directional traffic while work continues into early 2023.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), signed by President Biden in November 2021, allowed PennDOT to quickly dedicate $25.3 million in federal funds to the project without impacting other critical regional needs.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will bring $4 billion in new highway and bridge funds to Pennsylvania over the next five years, nearly $600 million in this federal fiscal year alone. These new funds have allowed many important transportation projects to advance across Pennsylvania.

Information on the construction of the new Fern Hollow Bridge can be found on PennDOT's website. To learn more about transportation investments across Pennsylvania, visit projects.PennDOT.gov.

Governor Wolf has served for two terms as a leader consistently at work for the people of Pennsylvania. Learn more about how his Priorities for Pennsylvania have fueled the commonwealth's comeback, leaving Pennsylvania in a much better place than when he arrived.

MEDIA CONTACT: Governor's Office, [email protected], 717-783-1116

12/30/2022

PennDOT - Statewide News
PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for New Year’s Holiday

​Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, December 31, 2022, through Monday, January 2, 2023, in observance of the New Year's holiday.

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.

Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver's license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.

A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2022 is available online. If you are planning to visit one of PennDOT's On-Line Messenger Service Centers, please call ahead for hours of operation during holidays.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following Twitter regional alerts.

Follow PennDOT on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

MEDIA CONTACT: Diego Sandino, [email protected]

12/14/2022

PennDOT - Statewide News
Motorists Urged to Exercise Caution in Coming Winter Weather Event

Vehicle restrictions planned overnight and Thursday

Harrisburg, PA – Ahead of icy and snowy conditions, cold temperatures and high winds across most of the state this weekend, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) are advising motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. Additionally, the agencies will implement various speed and vehicle restrictions throughout the storm.

Because this storm will begin as sleet and freezing rain overnight Wednesday into Thursday, PennDOT and PTC crews are actively pre-treating roadways where necessary ahead of the storm to help prevent ice from forming a bond with the pavement during the early stages of a storm. However, salt is not a silver bullet, and drivers may encounter icy spots on the roadway. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form without warning.

Restrictions will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for personalized alerts on the website.

The following vehicle restrictions will go into place at 1:00 AM on Thursday, December 15, in accordance with the commonwealth's weather event vehicle restriction plan:

Tier 1:
I-79 from PA Turnpike (I-76) to I-80;
I-80 from I-79 to Exit 173 (Lamar); and
I-70 from Maryland to PA Turnpike (I-76) in Fulton County.
Tier 2:
I-70 from I-79 to I-76
Tier 3:
PA Turnpike (I-76) from the New Stanton to Breezewood exits; and
I-99, entire length.
The following vehicle restrictions will go into place at 6:00 AM on Thursday, December 15, in accordance with the commonwealth's weather event vehicle restriction plan:

Tier 1:
I-81 from the Maryland border to I-80;
I-83, entire length; and
I-283, entire length.
The following vehicle restrictions will go into place at 12:00 noon on Thursday, December 15, in accordance with the commonwealth's weather event vehicle restriction plan:

Tier 1:
I-81 from I-380 to the New York border;
I-84, entire length;
I-380, entire length;
I-476 (PA Turnpike Northeast Extension) from I-78 to I-81 Clarks Summit Exit 56-131
Under Tier 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:

Tractors without trailers;
Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers;
Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers;
Enclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks that meet the definition of a CMV;
Passenger vehicles (cars, SUV's, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers;
Recreational vehicles/motorhomes;
School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches; and
motorcycles.
On roadways with Tier 2 restrictions in place, tractors towing loaded tandem trailers are not permitted unless there are chains or another approved Alternate Traction Device on board. Additionally, all school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes and passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers are not permitted on affected roadways while restrictions are in place.

On roadways with Tier 3 restrictions in place, no commercial vehicles are permitted EXCEPT loaded single trailers with chains or approved Alternate Traction Devices. Additionally, all school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes and passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers are not permitted on affected roadways while restrictions are in place.

PennDOT urges motorists to avoid travel if possible. If travel is necessary, use caution, reduce speeds and be aware of changing weather conditions.

To help make decisions regarding winter travel, motorists are encouraged to "Know Before You Go" by checking conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. Users can also see plow truck statuses and travel alerts along a specific route using the "Check My Route" tool.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts.

Drivers should prepare or restock their emergency kits with items such as non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, warm clothes, a blanket, cell phone charger and a small snow shovel. Motorists should tailor their kits to any specific needs that they or their families have such as baby supplies, extra medication and pet supplies.
When winter weather occurs, drivers should extra cautious around operating snow-removal equipment. When encountering a plow truck, drivers should:

Stay at least six car lengths behind an operating plow truck and remember that 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 traveling toward you, move as far away from the center of the road as is safely possible, and remember that 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, creating 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.
Keep your lights on to help the operator better see your vehicle. Also remember that under Pennsylvania state law, vehicle lights must be on every time a vehicle's wipers are on due to inclement weather.
Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary statewide data shows that there were 266 crashes resulting in two fatalities and 116 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways where aggressive-driving behaviors such as speeding or making careless lane changes were factors.

Motorists are reminded the law requires drivers to remove accumulated ice or snow from their vehicle, including the hood, trunk, and roof within 24 hours after the storm has ended. This applies to all vehicles, including commercial vehicles. Drivers in violation of the law are subject to a fine of $50. Additionally, motorists can be cited up to $1,500 if snow or ice is dislodged and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious injury.

For more information on safe winter travel, an emergency kit checklist and information on PennDOT's winter operations including a video, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/winter. Additional winter driving and other highway safety information is available at www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.

Follow the conversation by using on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Alexis Campbell (PennDOT), [email protected] or 717-783-8800;
Rosanne Placey (PTC), [email protected]

# # #

12/06/2022

PennDOT - Statewide News
Wolf Administration, AARP Highlight Safety for Mature Drivers

​Programs help keep Pennsylvanians ages 65 or older connected to communities

Harrisburg, PA – With nearly a quarter of Pennsylvania's licensed drivers 65 years of age or older, the Pennsylvania departments of Transportation (PennDOT), Aging (PDA) and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), along with the AARP, hosted an event today at The Manor at Oakridge, a Holiday by Atria community in Harrisburg, to highlight the unique challenges faced by older drivers during Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, which is observed December 5-9.

"Mobility is essential to quality of life at any age," said Kurt Myers, PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services. "Many older drivers have a lifetime of valuable driving experience to draw from, and PennDOT continually seeks to balance the safety of our roadways with the need for independence and autonomy."

Approximately 25% of Pennsylvania's 9.1 million licensed drivers are 65 and older. In 2021 there were more than 19,700 crashes involving at least one driver aged 65 or older, which resulted in over 300 total fatalities. This represents about 17% of all crashes and about 25% of all fatalities.

"As Pennsylvania's aging population continues to grow, the Wolf Administration is committed to ensuring that older adults have the resources they need to remain active in and connected to their communities," said Secretary of Aging Robert Torres. "Driver safety awareness is a big part of that picture and if older adults need to make adjustments, accessible and available transportation alternatives become key to getting around. Pennsylvania is fortunate that our lottery proceeds help to fund these alternative services."

Representatives from PennDOT, PDA, PSP, AARP and others provided information to help older Pennsylvanians extend their years on the road, and to make them aware of other transportation options available to them.

Pennsylvania has a network of shared-ride service providers dedicated to keeping older adults mobile, safe, and engaged in their community. This free transportation program allows citizens ages 65 or older to ride for free on a local, fixed-route service whenever local public transportation is operating. During FY 2020-21, there were 1.7 million Senior Shared Rides.

Additionally, working with the PA Department of Human Services and transit agencies, PennDOT recently developed an online tool called Find My Ride that allows older drivers to access free ride services online. Find My Ride allows transit agencies to process applications more efficiently, so users can access benefits more quickly. Find My Ride can be found at findmyride.penndot.pa.gov. You can also find it at www.penndot.pa.gov by clicking on Travel in PA, then Public Transit Options.

"Along with the unique challenges already faced by older drivers, winter weather conditions, longer nights, and heavy holiday traffic create challenges for drivers of all ages," said Lieutenant Adam Reed, Director of the Communications Office with the Pennsylvania State Police. "Before getting behind the wheel be sure you are up to date on eye exams and understand how your prescribed medications could affect your driving. Remember to buckle up every time!"

While every person ages differently, aging typically brings certain -- sometimes subtle -- physical, visual, and cognitive changes that could impair an older person's ability to drive safely. Older drivers and their families should work together to identify potential issues that may affect driving, outline courses of action to assist the older driver, and plan for when it's time to hang up the keys.

Signs that can indicate it may be time to limit or stop driving altogether include:

Feeling uncomfortable, fearful, or nervous when driving;
Unexplained dents/scrapes on the car, fences, mailboxes, or garage doors;
Frequently getting lost and frequent "close calls" (i.e. almost crashing);
Slower response times, particularly to unexpected situations;
Difficulty paying attention to signs or staying in the lane of traffic; and
Trouble judging gaps at intersections or highway entrance/exit ramps.
The Wolf Administration encourages older drivers and their loved ones to review PennDOT's Seniors Driving Safely publication series, which can be downloaded for free from the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website. These publications help older drivers assess their abilities and offer guidance on next steps if their medical condition is reported to PennDOT. The series also includes a publication designed to guide family and friends of older drivers in what can sometimes be difficult conversations about deciding to stop driving, as well as information for healthcare providers on PennDOT's medical reporting program.

The following safe-driving habits, which should be routine at any age, are especially useful to older drivers:

Plan ahead: lengthy car trips should be made during daylight hours. Morning may be best because most people aren't as tired as they are in the afternoon.
Don't drive in rush-hour traffic if you can avoid it. Plan trips after 9:00 AM or before 5:00 PM. Know what roads near home are most congested and avoid them.
When driving long distances, especially in winter, call ahead for weather and road condition updates.
Look ahead. Good drivers get a jump on trouble by looking far down the road and making adjustments before encountering problems that may involve other vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists or animals.
Maintain a safe speed. This depends on what the road is like, how well the driver can see, how much traffic there is and how fast traffic is moving.
Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you. The PA Driver's Manual advises that you should always keep a 4-second gap between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Additional information on older driver safety and mobility resources is available at both PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services and the Department of Aging websites.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Diego Sandino, PennDOT, 717-787-0485
Karen Gray, Aging, 717-705-3702
Myles Snyder, PSP, 717-783-5556 or [email protected]

PennDOT District 11 is announcing lane restrictions on I-79 in Sewickley Hills and Franklin Park boroughs, and Aleppo and Ohio townships, Allegheny Co...