There are approximately 6 million car accidents each year in
the United States. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that 23
percent, or nearly 1.3 million, of these accidents are weather-related. The
majority of weather-related motor vehicle accidents occur on wet-pavement and
during rainfall.
With harsh New Jersey winter months ahead, it is important
that you take the necessary steps to ensure that you drive with caution to
avoid, or at least reduce the likelihood, of getting into an accident.
5 Important Tips for
Safe Winter Driving
The cold winter months in New Jersey bring rain, snow, sleet
and overall wet, slippery roads. In order to know how to properly react to
winter weather and be safer on the road, you may want to consider the important
safety tips below:
-
Do a winter test drive. During the
first storm of the season, drive to an open space and test how your car reacts
to the winter road. Test your brakes, steering on the icy, wet or snow-packed
pavement.
-
Know what to expect on your drive and plan
accordingly. If there is an especially harsh storm and you know you
need to drive in the wintery conditions, check the travel advisories first.
Certain websites, such as the DOT website, can provide you with access
information and service alerts that can help you plan accordingly.
-
Slow down and don’t panic. This is
perhaps the most important safety tip when driving in bad weather conditions.
You should slow down your speed and do everything else more slowly and more
lightly than you would in normal weather conditions.
-
Quit before it is too late. Some
weather and road conditions are simply too dangerous, regardless of how careful
you are. If you can’t control yourself on the road or don’t feel comfortable to
drive, you should either pull over or not get on the road at all.
Call Us
For more information or to schedule a complimentary
consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer in New Jersey , please call the Law
Offices of Dan T. Matrafajlo at (908)
248-4404.