New Jersey Law Aims for Fewer Winter Car Accidents

New Jersey weather may feel temperate today, but the first day of winter arrives in less than two months. It’s not unheard of to see snow before the end of the year; don’t be caught off guard! Wouldn’t you rather enjoy those pretty white snowflakes instead of fretting over them? Do a little planning now so you can find yourself fully prepared and smiling at that first New Jersey snowfall.

Just the thought of driving to work after an overnight snow can raise our blood pressure. Motor vehicles are probably one of the greatest causes of wintertime stress, especially since most of us aren’t comfortable poking around under the hood ourselves. So before you hit black ice with your bald tires or need a jump start in the freezing morning air, make friends with a local mechanic. He or she will be well-versed in wintertime car prep. Don’t be afraid to ask for tips on what will make winter driving the safest for you. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management have already put together a list of things for you to review. Take this with you to the car shop to discuss.

• Is my car battery charged and are the connections good and clean?
• Are my windshield wipers in good condition? Should I get winter blades?
• Are my coolant/antifreeze, motor oil, and wiper fluid fresh and full? Are there any leaks?
• What grade oil is best for my car in winter?
• Are my tires in good condition? Do I need snow tires?
• How’s my ignition system?
• Is my car’s thermostat working?
• Do I need to replace any headlamps? Do the bright, fog and brake lights all work? Do my hazard lights flash?
• Is the exhaust system functioning properly?
• Do I need to replace my brakes or brake pads?
• Is the defroster working well enough to clear ice from the windshield?
• Do I have all the proper tools for de-icing my car?
• Is my emergency kit stocked in case I get stranded?

Once you’ve got the mechanical prep done, don’t forget about New Jersey’s newly amended snow and ice law. No more scraping just enough frost off your windshield so you can kind of see the car ahead of you. The New Jersey law now requires that all snow and ice be removed from your vehicle before you drive it. Previously, you would be fined only if snow and ice from your car caused a road incident or car accident in New Jersey. Now, with the amended law in place, you don’t have to cause a car accident before New Jersey police can hand you an expensive citation. Winter car accidents are deadly. New Jersey encourages drivers to be proactive when it comes to winter readiness and the roads.

For more information on preventing winter weather car accidents and what kind of emergency kits you should keep with you on your travels, the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management offers a page-full of information about  “Winter Weather Preparedness.”