Are There Special Rules for Driving in New Jersey During Winter Weather?
Driving in New Jersey can be a challenge in the winter. Snow and ice blanket the roads, often causing serious car accidents.
In the past, many drivers would leave snow on their vehicles as they drove them, creating ice missiles. In fact, people have been injured from snow coming off other vehicles and hitting them at high speeds.
This led New Jersey to create a special law for winter drivers in the state. Drivers are required to remove all ice and snow from their vehicles before getting behind the wheel. It’s especially important to get all snow and ice off windows, roofs, and hoods. This ensures drivers have a clear view of the road while protecting other drivers.
Failure to do so is a crime. Motorists face fines of $25 to $75 for each offense. If flying ice or snow from their vehicle causes property damage or injury to others, the fine increases to $200 to $1,000 for each offense. It’s important to note that this applies to passenger vehicle drivers as well as commercial truck drivers.
What Else Should I Do?
It is important to drive safely in general in the winter. Here are some tips to help you navigate icy roads:
- Slow down. Speed limits are based on ideal conditions. On snowy or icy roads, reduce your speed by at least 10-15 mph (or more if conditions are severe). Slower speeds give you more time to react if something happens, and they help prevent losing control when braking or turning.
- Increase following distance. Normally, you might leave three seconds between you and the car ahead. In winter, double or triple that distance to allow extra time to brake. Snow and ice reduce tire traction, so stopping takes longer.
- Accelerate gradually. Flooring the gas pedal can cause your tires to spin, especially on snow or ice. Apply gentle, consistent pressure on the gas pedal to get moving without losing traction. This is especially important when starting from a stop or on hills.
- Use your lights. Winter storms reduce visibility, and it gets darker earlier. Always turn on your headlights, even during the day, so other drivers can see you.
- Watch for black ice. Black ice forms when water freezes into an almost invisible layer on the road. It’s especially common on bridges, overpasses, shaded areas, and intersections. If the road looks shiny but you don’t see much snow, be extra cautious.
- Stay in control if you skid. If your vehicle starts to skid, don’t panic and overcorrect. Ease off the gas and turn the steering wheel gently in the direction you want to go.
Contact Our New Jersey Car Accident Attorneys Today
Driving in New Jersey in the winter is not an easy task. Heavy snow and ice can make driving challenging. Plus, you need to follow certain rules or face citations and fines.
In an accident? The New Jersey car accident attorneys at Leonard Legal Group are here to provide you with sound legal guidance in the aftermath of your crash. Call our office at (973) 984-1414 to schedule a consultation or reach out online.