The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today issued a Winter Weather Congestion Alert since there is forecast for snow in parts of the state tomorrow and the upcoming week, which may result in difficult driving conditions.
Drivers are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions, as road conditions may be challenging. If you must drive, we have provided some safety tips below:
- Clear your car of snow and ice. Clearing your vehicle of snow and ice is not only for safety, but it’s a law in New Jersey. Drivers who fail to remove snow and ice from their vehicle could be subjected to fines between $25.00 and $75.00 for each offense, even if no snow or ice flies off the vehicle. If flying snow or ice causes injury or damage, drivers could face a fine of $200.00 to $1000.
- Turn on your headlights. Be sure to turn on your headlights when it is snowing or raining as it helps other drivers see you. It’s the law in New Jersey as well as in many other states.
- Drive slowly. Please drive slowly in the snow and ice and adjust your speed to the road conditions. Also increase the following distance between your car and the cars in front of you. We recommend traveling at least ten seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. You should also leave early for your destination and allow extra travel time and be reminded to be patient and use caution.
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with a cellphone charger, flashlight, water, snacks, snow shovel, gloves, blanket, extra warm layers of clothing, booster cables and other items. It is also advised to always have a full tank of gas prior to your trip. Please view the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management website for more information on a vehicle safety kit: http://ready.nj.gov/plan-prepare/winter.shtml
- Do not pass between trucks that are in a snow plow formation. Always stay clear of plowing and spreading trucks. If they are behind you, let them pass. These drivers have limited visibility and you are likely to find that the road in front of them worse than the road behind
- Watch for slick bridges, overpasses and exit ramps. These locations tend to freeze faster than heavily traveled roadways
