How to Stay Safe on Snowy and Icy Roads
Because New Jersey ranks near the top nationally for traffic density, there’s a risk of injury any time you get in a car. That risk is even greater in winter, when snow and ice make roads slippery and limit visibility by accumulating on your windshield.
In New Jersey, motorists are required by law to remove all snow and ice from their vehicle before getting on the road, including snow on the windows, hood and roof. You can be ticketed for failure to do so, and you can be fined if snow or ice from your car causes property damage or personal injury to others.
Here are some additional recommendations for safely navigating icy or snowy roads in New Jersey this winter:
- Increase the distance between you and the car in front of you—Under normal conditions, stay about 10 feet away from the car in front of you for every 10 miles per hour you’re traveling. In snow and ice, double that, in order to give yourself more time to stop or take evasive action.
- Use your headlights—During a snowstorm, even in the middle of the day, keep your headlights turned on so that other motorists can see you better (low beams are best).
- Adjust your speed to the conditions—Don’t drive too fast or too slowly. Go too fast and you’ll have difficulty controlling your vehicle. Go too slow and you 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’ll most likely find patches of ice at intersections and exit/entrance ramps to freeways and highways.
- Be patient—When others are traveling slower than you want to go, don’t try to pass; instead, wait until they turn or you have a safe opportunity to get around them.
- Pull off the road if you break down—When you have car problems, 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.
