Safety Tips for Driving in Winter Weather

It’s difficult to think about it right now but the winter is quickly approaching us here in New Jersey. This means roads will be brined in anticipation of the snow and ice that Mother Nature will send us this year. It’s not fun driving during the winter in New Jersey. Aside from wet leaves, potholes, ice, snow, rain and wind, drivers also have to deal with deer and other animals that tend to appear at the most inopportune times. The team at Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza offers the following safety tips for driving in winter weather.

Clear Car of All Snow and Ice

It is against the law in New Jersey to drive any vehicle that still has snow or ice on it. That’s why you must clear your vehicle before hitting the roads. Drivers who leave snow on their vehicle risk causing an auto accident when it begins to melt and then slides off the roof, hitting another vehicle or causing the vehicle behind you to swerve. The same goes for all ice chunks. Remove them or risk getting a ticket.

Slow Your Speed

The speed limits posted on all the roads of New Jersey are meant for dry conditions, not rain, ice, sleet or snow. This means you should slow your speed when inclement weather is affecting your drive. Driving in the snow or in icy conditions calls for speeds that are at least five miles per hour below the posted speed limit if not more.

No Cruise Control

You should never use cruise control when driving in winter weather. This removes you from the equation of controlling your vehicle. You will want to have as much control over the operation of your vehicle as possible when navigating through snow, sleet, rain or ice this winter season in New Jersey.

Bridges and Overpasses Ice Quicker

Keep it in the back of your head that bridges and overpasses will ice quicker compared to roads. The reason for this is that there is no ground underneath them. Slow your speed when approaching a bridge or overpass and be on the lookout for icy spots or black ice.

Were you injured in a winter weather accident in New Jersey? It’s time that you speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who knows what it takes to secure compensation injury victims like yourself deserve. Contact the team at Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza today to schedule a consultation about your case.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.