Community Corner

Remember to Clear All Ice and Snow from Vehicles Prior to Driving

Motorists could be slapped with a $25 to $75 fine under the new law enacted in 2010. If failure to remove ice and snow results in injury/property damage, motorists could face larger fines.

 

With the first snowstorm of 2012 upon us, motorists should remember to clear snow off vehicles before traveling on New Jersey’s roadways to avoid getting a ticket.

Motorists who fail to clear their vehicles of ice and snow before driving can be cited and fined under an amended law, which became effective October 20, 2010, according to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. Prior to this change, a motorist could only receive a citation if failure to remove ice and snow from a vehicle resulted in injury to others or property damage.

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Fines for violating the new law range from $25 to $75. No motor vehicle points will be assessed for this offense. If failure to remove ice and snow results in injury or property damage, motorists face fines ranging from $200 to $1000, while commercial motor vehicle drivers face fines ranging from $500 to $1,500, for each offense.

In anticipation of inclement weather, motorists are encouraged to:

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  • Tune up and winterize their vehicles, as well as check the radiator, battery, antifreeze, and all other fluid levels.
  • Check tire treads and replace them if they’re unsafe.
  • Check and replace windshield wiper blades if the rubber is cracked and/or brittle. Be sure to also check and refill the washer fluid reservoir.
  • Maintain at least a half a tank of gas during the winter to prevent the fuel line from freezing.

Motorists are also encouraged to keep a winter driving “safety kit” in their vehicles that is easily accessible in the event of an emergency. The kit should include: an ice scraper/brush; shovel; jumper cables or battery starter; warm blanket; sand, salt or cat litter (for traction in ice and snow); de-icer; safety flares/warning devices; flashlight and new batteries; extra windshield washer fluid; cell phone with a charged spare battery; water and non-perishable food (i.e. granola or protein bars); and, paper towels or a cloth.

The New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety recommends the following tips when driving in winter weather conditions:

  • Drive slow (at or below the posted speed limit) and adjust your speed for the changing road conditions.
  • Turn on your headlights, using low beams when traveling in snow.
  • Increase your following distance. In winter weather, travel at least eight to 10 seconds behind the car in front of you.
  • Give snowplows plenty of room to work. Don't tailgate and do not try to pass. If you must pass, take extreme caution in doing so. Remember, a snowplow operator's field of vision is restricted. You may see him, but they don't always see you.
  • If you skid, don't brake or accelerate. Remove your foot from the gas, and gently steer your car in the direction of the skid (the direction the rear of your vehicle is sliding). When your car starts heading in the desired direction, carefully straighten the wheel.
  • Slow down before exiting the highway. Exit ramps often have icy patches, sharp curves and stalled or stopped vehicles.
  • If your vehicle does become disabled, pull off the road as far as possible and turn on your emergency flashers. Remain with your vehicle until help arrives. If you can't get your vehicle off the road and are uncertain about your safety, do not stay in your vehicle or stand behind it. Proceed carefully to a safe location away from traffic.

For further information on winter driving, as well as a variety of traffic safety issues, motorists can visit the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety’s web site at www.njsaferoads.com.


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