New Jersey is expecting another week of awful weather ahead. Everything from rain, ice, sleet, and snow has been predicted for the remaining weeks of February.
The data gathered through the National Weather Network has put drivers on high alert as they take to the roads in Newark and beyond.
Drivers have been advised to be extremely careful, particularly outside of urbanized areas, where emergency services coverage is less concentrated.
Here’s some tips to make sure you’re staying safe of New Jersey’s icy roads:
Check Your Vehicle Before Departing
The experts at the law firm Davis, Saperstein & Salomon P.C. say one step commonly missed by drivers during the winter is checking the condition of your vehicle before departing.
Balding tires, poor visibility in mirrors and windows, as well as the condition of the lights are just some of the things that could cause a serious accident.
It takes just a few minutes to perform these checks and there’s no excuse not to do it.
Reduce Your Speed
Speed kills when road conditions deteriorate. High speed increases the chances of aquaplaning and vehicles losing control.
Always drive below the speed limit when roads are wet or when the roads are covered in snow and ice. Davis, Saperstein & Salomon P.C. regularly investigate accidents on snowy roads at this time of year, and most of them are avoidable.
Finally, make sure you maintain an appropriate distance from the vehicle in front of you in case you need to brake suddenly.
Keep a Winter Safety Kit in Your Car
For drivers who are driving in rural areas, the threat of hours spent in a broken-down vehicle is a very real one.
Experts for New Jersey Ice and Snow Safety are recommending that drivers keep a winter survival kit in their vehicles. Emergency services are less likely to quickly get into more rural areas during the winter season, due to being overloaded or simply being unable to tackle dangerous road conditions quickly.
A winter survival kit should include a hot beverage, a basic first aid kit, and a blanket.
Install Winter Tires When Warranted
Special winter tires are often used in the northern United States to provide more traction on slippery road surfaces.
Drivers in New Jersey should also consider installing winter tires, says Davis, Saperstein & Salomon P.C. Road accident statisticians say there’s a much-reduced chance of experiencing a serious accident when a vehicle has appropriate winter tires installed.
This is an investment well worth making, as winters in New Jersey often lead to treacherous road conditions.
Winter Road Safety is the Responsibility of Everyone
Road safety has improved over the previous few decades. Emergency services are also more adept than ever before at responding to accidents and ensuring the drivers of New Jersey are safe.
However, winter road safety remains the responsibility of everyone. Thousands of winter road traffic accidents in New Jersey can be avoided simply by following these basic steps during the winter season.
Create a checklist for winter road safety to ensure that you and your family stay safe throughout winter.
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