Car Accidents in Westmoreland County Prompt Overtime for State Troopers

November 2008

There have been 51 fatal car accidents in Westmoreland County this year, and the state is making efforts to reduce the number of serious crashes in the region. In addition to a series of safety reminders, it has been announced that there will be more police officers on the roads.

Police and transportation leaders are urging drivers to be aware of more than just icy patches on the roads. They say that drivers should also look out for construction during winter weather, especially because snow makes it harder to see the cones along Route 22. PennDOT has also announced that they have stocked up on salt and have begun using it in the region, hoping to make driving conditions a bit safer.

PennDOT is worried about less frequently traveled roads in particular. These paths are used by hunters on their way to camp and are not salted on a regular basis. The state is paying overtime to Pennsylvania state troopers to encourage people to slow down in the winter weather.