Strategies for Staying Safe When Roads Have Snow or Ice
Because New Jersey typically ranks near the top nationally for traffic density, there’s a risk of injury any time you get in a car. That risk can be greater in the winter, when snow and ice can make roads slippery and accumulate on your windshield, limiting visibility.
In New Jersey, motorists are required by law to remove all snow and ice from a vehicle—including snow on the windows, hood, and roof—before getting on the road. You can be ticketed for failure to do so and fined if snow or ice from your car causes property damage or personal injury to others.
Here are additional recommendations for safely navigating icy or snowy roads in New Jersey this winter:
- Allow more distance between you and the car in front of you—Under normal conditions, you want about 10 feet for every 10 miles per hour you are traveling. In snow and ice, double that, so that you give yourself more time to stop or take evasive action.
- Use your headlights during a snowstorm—When it’s snowing, keep your lights on, even in the middle of the day, so that other motorists can better see you (low beams are best).
- Adjust your speed to the conditions—Don’t drive too fast or too slowly. Too fast and you’ll have difficulty controlling your vehicle…too slow and you’ll pose risks to others traveling at safe rates of speed.
- If you start to skid, turn in the direction of the skid.
- Think ahead—You’re most likely to find patches of ice at intersections and on exit/entrance ramps to freeways and highways.
- Be patient—When others are traveling slower than you want to go, don’t try to pass; wait until they turn, or you have a safe opportunity to go around them.
- Know what to do if you break down—If you break down, get your vehicle as far off the road as possible, and turn on your emergency flashers immediately.
Contact the Cintron Firm
At the Cintron Firm, LLC, we offer more than 14 years of experience to people in New Jersey facing a broad array of legal challenges. Attorney Mark Cintron has worked as a prosecutor and has extensive courtroom experience, so he’s always ready, willing and able to protect your interests before a judge or jury. We are currently available to talk with you by phone, text message, or videoconference. Contact our office online or call us at 201-791-1333 or (201) 535-0323 to set up an appointment.
