Winter Weather Accidents In New Jersey: Obstacles to Face on the Roadways
New Jersey and other states are experiencing severe winter weather. Ice, snow, rain, and freezing temperatures are common, causing havoc on roadways. In 2022, 32,213 injury crashes occurred during snow/sleet conditions.
When you leave your house, you need to be mindful of the road conditions. On your way to your destination, you may experience weather conditions that can affect the roads and cause serious car accidents. You will need to slow down and drive defensively to get from Point A to Point B safely. Here are some obstacles you may encounter.
Black Ice
Black ice is one of the most dangerous winter hazards because it is nearly invisible. It forms when temperatures hover around freezing, especially at night or early in the morning. Common areas for black ice include bridges, overpasses, and shaded road sections. Drivers may not realize they are on black ice until they lose traction, leading to sudden skidding or loss of control. To reduce risk, avoid sudden braking and steer gently if you feel your tires slipping.
Flooding
Winter storms often bring heavy rains that can make roads slick and cause hydroplaning. Flash floods are common in some areas close to riverfronts, making certain roadways impassable. When water levels get too high, drivers can become trapped in the water, lose control of their vehicles, and cause accidents.
Snow-Covered Roads
Fresh or packed snow can drastically reduce tire grip, making acceleration, braking, and turning more challenging. Even all-season tires may struggle in deeper snow, leading to vehicles getting stuck or sliding. Plowed roads can still be dangerous if there’s a layer of compacted snow, which can turn slick. Snow-covered roads require slower speeds and increased following distances to prevent collisions.
Poor Visibility
Heavy snowfall, fog, and snow can reduce visibility to just a few feet, making it difficult to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or road signs. You will need to use headlights and taillights, but they can be obscured by snow buildup. Whiteout conditions can be particularly disorienting. Drivers should use low beams, keep windshields clear, and avoid unnecessary travel during severe storms.
Congested Highways
Major highways like the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike see heavy traffic year-round, and winter weather only makes congestion worse. When roads are icy or snowy, drivers slow down, but sudden stops and lane changes still lead to accidents. Rear-end collisions are common because of increased stopping distances. Multi-car pileups can occur when drivers fail to adjust to conditions. Maintaining extra space between vehicles and anticipating slowdowns can help avoid crashes.
Contact Us Today
Driving in winter weather requires slower speeds and focus. To avoid accidents, you must avoid risky driving behaviors.
Driving is more dangerous in the winter. Accidents are common. With more than 28 years of experience helping injured victims, the New Jersey car accident lawyers at Leonard Legal Group are ready to help you. We have handled thousands of personal injury and car accident cases. Call our office at (973) 984-1414 to schedule a consultation.