Winter Driving on New Jersey Highways

As seen with our recent winter storm, many New Jersey highways and roads can be treacherous during wintertime. Whether you are on Rt. 46, Rt. 80, the Garden State Parkway, Rt. 10, Rt. 287, Rt. 80 or the New Jersey Turnpike, it is vital you are prepared for slippery conditions. Moreover, it’s critical your vehicle is in top notch condition to handle these dangerous road conditions. Driving in the snow can often be hazardous as well, so here are some of AAA’s tips for safe driving on snow covered roads:

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
• The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible.
• Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.

Car accidents during dangerous road conditions can cause serious injuries or sadly, result in fatalities. If you or a loved one have suffered an injury, it is vitally important to seek immediate medical assistance. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may be able to hold another party responsible.

Contact Our Team of Experienced New Jersey Car Accident Injury Lawyers
Our experienced New Jersey Car Accident Attorneys can offer the advice you can trust and need during this uncertain and difficult time. New Jersey has a two-year statute of limitations time limit, whereby a person can bring an injury lawsuit. The New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm have over 35 years experience successfully handling all types of serious car accidents, and have represented thousands of clients throughout New Jersey.

The Todd J. Leonard Law Firm has three convenient locations, including in Morris County, New Jersey –Denville (our main office), and Morristown, as well as offices in Newark. Contact us today at (973) 920-7900 so you can get the justice you deserve!