Driving in winter involves snow, ice, rain and poor visibility. Unfortunately, these factors often increase the risk of having an automobile accident. However, by following some of the tips provided by UHB Law Group for driving in snow and ice, you can reduce your risk. Don’t become a statistic!
The statistics in NJ are alarming! In 2017, the New Jersey Department of Transportation reported that on public roadways there were:
- 270,231 total crashes
- 61,753 total injury crashes
- 591 fatal crashes
And, of these crashes, 1,134 were related to hand-held cell phone usage (including 2 fatalities) and 361 hands-free cell phone usage. Please help prevent an automobile accident and the chance of sustaining an automobile injury by not talking or texting while driving – throughout the year!
In 2018, there have been 497 fatal crashes, as reported by the New Jersey State Police. Let’s hope this number does not increase at the end of the year. While most drivers follow basic driving laws/recommendations – such as not driving when drunk, buzzed, fatigued or distracted, by wearing a seatbelt, having properly inflated tires, keeping windshield wiper fluid full, having the correct level of antifreeze with working lights and wipers – these additional tips can also help to prevent an automobile accident:
- Stay focused – this includes music, passengers and mobile devices.
- Drive slower than you would on dry pavement and keep a longer distance between you and the vehicle in front, in case you have to stop. Do not tailgate!
- Listen to weather reports, especially if your destination is in another town or state.
- Keep your gas tank filled at least to the halfway point.
- Maximize visibility by clearing and defrosting your windows of snow and ice.
- Check your exhaust pipe for clogged snow, ice or mud.
- Know how your brakes handle.
- Avoid cruise control on a slippery surface, such as ice and snow.
- Be prepared by keeping an emergency kit in the car – cell phone charger, pen/paper, blanket, flashlight, hat, gloves, food/water and medication.
Unfortunately, even by driving with extra precaution and following our tips for driving in snow and ice, automobile accidents and an automobile injury may still occur. It is important to stay calm, seek emergency care, call the police and if possible – write down the details, shoot a video or take photos of the vehicles, weather conditions, track marks, etc.
If you or a loved one are involved in an accident and want to know and protect your rights and receive compensation, please contact us. Medical and repair bills, loss of wages, pain and suffering can dramatically impact your life.