[Jase Bernhardt, a professor at Hofstra University in New York state, has spearheaded the development of a virtual reality simulator to help drivers learn what to do when they encounter snow squalls. This short story is from WTAJ, the CBS television station in Altoona, Pennsylvania; see the original version for a 2:11 minute video report (which is also available on YouTube). You can watch a user’s view of the simulator in a 2:51 minute YouTube Short video.  More details about the project can be found in a CBS New York story from November 2025, a picture gallery in the York Daily Record from January 2025, and a Hofstra University story from September 2024. To access the simulator yourself, use the QR code in this pdf file. For an amusing example of a different kind of snow-related presence, see the January 2018 UPI story “Canadian man gets parking ticket for ‘car’ made of snow,” which apparently appears (undated) in social media feeds during major snow storms like the ones we’ve had in Pennsylvania recently. –Matthew]

[Image: Source: Unofficial Networks]

Virtual reality simulator prepares Pennsylvania drivers for snow squalls

By Kaelei Whitlatch
February 13, 2026

CLEARFIELD COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — New technology unveiled by state leaders and agencies in Clearfield County Friday aims to help drivers caught in winter conditions.

The new driving simulator is a virtual reality experience that puts you behind the wheel when a snow squall hits. It was the centerpiece during a meeting where winter driving safety was the main message.

“It’s far better to experience the rapidly changing conditions in a snow squall in the comfort of your own home than in real life, when it may be too late and too dangerous to take proper precautions,” NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist Jonathan Guseman said.

As most Pennsylvanians know, conditions during winter weather can change out of nowhere, especially when snow squalls move through; that’s where the new simulator comes in.

The user controls the vehicle, just as you would in real life.

“This virtual reality simulation immerses the participant in a snow squall with 360-degree surround graphics and surround sound, while vividly depicting what happens when proper precautions are not taken during a snow squall. [It was] designed specifically with Pennsylvania in mind,” Guesman said.

The simulator is harder than it looks. It reduces your visibility quickly and puts obstacles on the roadway. Its goal is to teach drivers to take the first exit when the squall hits.

“When we tried this with our community members, only one person waited it out. Only one person decided that the best approach to a snow squall was pull off the road and wait for it to be over. We think that needs to change.” PA Turnpike Chief Operating Officer Craig Shuey said.

Agencies alongside PennDOT are also highlighting other safety measures, like new variable speed limit signs along major interstates like I-80. Data shows wintry crashes dropped 7% since their installation.

There’s also been a 34% decrease in serious injuries and deaths.

“While we are pleased with these numbers and they’re headed in the right direction, even one fatality is one too many.” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said.