The snow is falling and chances are, it won’t be going away any time soon. With that in mind, it’s important to take some steps to prepare yourself and your vehicle for the winter weather.
- Before you go anywhere, clean the snow and ice off your car. It’s an important safety step to take and also, it’s the law in New Jersey. Don’t speed! You never know when you might hit a patch of icy road and lose control of your vehicle. Respect the elements and keep your speed down.
- Keep your headlights on when it is snowing or raining. That’s another law in New Jersey.
- If you get stuck behind a snowplow or a sanding truck, don’t try to pass it. These drivers can’t see very well from inside their trucks, putting you at risk of an accident. Furthermore, the road conditions ahead of the trucks are likely poor compared to the conditions behind the trucks. Be patient and respect the plows.
- Slow down before exiting a highway. Exit ramps often have a high chance of becoming icy in cold weather. This is also true of bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads.
- Brake gently! You don’t want your car to skid on snowy or icy roads. If you feel your wheels starting to lock up, ease your foot off the brake.
- Avoid cruise control and overdrive.
- Your winter survival kit: a snow shovel, a windshield scraper, booster cables, tow rope, phone and charger, distress signal, sand or non-clumping cat litter, food and water, flashlight, first aid kit, map, and a full tank of gas.
Follow these tips to avoid car accidents while driving this winter. Stay warm, New Jersey!
