Tips For Driving in Pennsylvania in Butler, PA

Guide to Driving in Pennsylvania

If you’re an avid traveler, you probably know that every region’s roadways have their own quirks and hazards. Pennsylvania is no different. Luckily, our beautiful state doesn’t rank among the top 10 most dangerous states to drive in, but there are some oddities unique to the region that drivers should be aware of.

Watch Out for Deer in Pennsylvania

Did you know you have a one in 51 chance of hitting a deer while driving in Pennsylvania? According to recent studies, drivers in the U.S. have a 1 in 116 chance of striking a deer. That means the odds of hitting a deer in Pennsylvania are nearly double. So keep your eyes peeled when driving through wooded areas, and if you’re driving at night, make sure to use the proper headlight levels. You won’t always be able to anticipate a deer entering the roadway, but when it happens, you need to be prepared to stop immediately. Make sure your brake system is in tip-top condition, and if you’re shopping for a new vehicle, it may be a good idea to consider a model with an advanced safety system like Honda Sensing®, which has automatic braking.

Driving Conditions in Pennsylvania Weather

There are some regions of the U.S. that have mild seasons that barely register as actual season changes. Pennsylvania is not one of those places. There’s a sharp contrast between each season in Pennsylvania, and all four have distinct driving conditions. Let's break them down.

Winter may be the most hazardous season for Pennsylvania drivers. In fact, some have ranked our winter roadways as the second most dangerous in the nation. Why? Unlike regions further north, Pennsylvania doesn’t maintain below-freezing temperatures, so it isn’t blanketed in snow all winter. Instead, the snow in our state constantly freezes, melts, and freezes again, creating a looming threat that is hard to see – ice and black ice. The best thing you can do to protect yourself on icy roads is to make sure you have the winter tires mounted on your vehicle and that all of your tires are in good condition with plenty of tread and the proper tire pressure.

Spring is the exact opposite of winter and happens to pose the lowest risk to Pennsylvania drivers. The only weather threat in the spring is the possibility of flash floods.

Summer in Pennsylvania has its driving risks, primarily due to the chance of vehicles overheating. This risk increases with high traffic congestion on large highways. Extended idling, whether due to accidents or construction delays, can cause your vehicle to overheat. Consider using back roads to allow air to flow through your engine, which can help keep it cool and prevent overheating, especially on Interstate 81.

Fall in Pennsylvania offers scenic drives amid beautiful foliage, but fallen leaves can create slick road conditions, similar to black ice. Leaves can also block drainage on highways, increasing the risk of standing water in lanes, especially after rain. Be cautious of these hazards during autumn.

There are other risk factors associated with driving in the Pennsylvania area but many of these are common to other regions as well. They include:

• Potholes: Our state has more roadways to maintain than any other state, so while potholes are common in other areas, they’re more numerous here. Watch the road ahead, and if you do hit a pothole, get a wheel alignment afterward.
• Construction Zones: Pennsylvania is a keystone state with lots of through traffic. That means there’s a lot of wear and tear on our roads, which translates to plenty of construction zones. Make sure to read the speed limit sign along the road.

If you’re new to the area, you may notice several bridges, tunnels, and tolls that you are not used to. Take your time getting used to the Pennsylvania roadways, and you’ll be driving like a native in no time.