Safety Keys

Staying safe while traveling the PA Turnpike may take some planning. If you are ever in need of emergency assistance while on the PA Turnpike, please dial star (*) 11 from a cell phone to reach the operations center 24/7. If possible, please be ready to communicate your milepost (markers are every tenth of a mile along the shoulder) and the direction of travel to the dispatcher.

Travel Conditions

travel cond

Road conditions are constantly changing, so the PA Turnpike wants to make sure you are informed before you head out the door and while traveling. 

The travel conditions map allows you to view current roadway conditions and advisories for the stretch of Turnpike on which you will be traveling.

Check our travel alerts Twitter feed for up-to-date traffic conditions information.

www.511PA.com is an interactive map with information on traffic conditions statewide.

When traveling the PA Turnpike, pay attention to our Dynamic Message Signs. These large, electronic signs along the roadway are used to warn motorists of approaching traffic congestion, accidents, weather alerts, safety messages and more.

Emergencies

Car with a flat tire

Drive Safe Through Work Zones

go orange

When driving through a work zone on the PA Turnpike, Go Orange by following all posted speed limits. Keep your eyes up. Put your phone down. Go Orange for the sake of our workers. Your wallet. Your life.

Lives can be impacted by reckless driving.

Sign the Go Orange Pledge.

Know the consequences of driving unsafely through work zones.

    Speed Limit at Toll Points

    Toll Point with 15 MPH speed limit signs
    • All-Electronic Tolling is activated on the PA Turnpike and motorists should not stop while traveling through an interchange.
    • Even though you're not stopping, you must still follow the posted Toll Point speed limit of 15 MPH for the safety of yourself, other motorists, and any employees who may be at the interchange.
    • Open Road Tolling is coming soon to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, reading your E-ZPass and license plate on the highway instead of at toll plazas, which will eventually be removed. For more about this cashless, free-flowing system, visit Open Road Tolling | PA Turnpike

    Preparing Your Vehicle

    Prepare your vehicle for fall. To ensure safe driving, here are some tips that apply to your car:

    When driving at high speeds in the rain, it’s important that you have well working wipers. If you haven’t replaced your wipers in a while, consider doing so.

    Get your windshield wiper fluid topped off and filled.

    You are more likely to hydroplane with worn out tires. Check the tread of your vehicle’s tires before you hit the road.

    Falling Leaves

    The trees that line the PA Turnpike are a beautiful sight to see in the fall season. But leaves falling onto the roadway can cause potentially dangerous driving conditions. When rain hits the fallen leaves, they become slippery. Please be careful when driving over wet leaves and avoid breaking, when possible.

    Deer Season

    Deer-vehicle accidents peak in late October through November. Be alert for deer crossing signs and never drive distracted, especially during the morning and evening commuting hours when visibility decreases, and deer are most active. When driving at night with no oncoming cars, use your high-beam headlights to give you advanced warning of a deer on the road. 

    Hunting Season

    Pennsylvania is home to vast acres of wilderness and is a hunter’s paradise. While traveling the PA Turnpike, you may spot a potentially fruitful hunting location. But you are not allowed to park on the PA Turnpike to go hunting, or ever. It is a safety hazard and will result in a citation. Visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s website for information and maps of state game lands.