Trenton
– Highway safety and law enforcement
officials today reminded New Jersey motorists
that beginning October 20, an amended law
goes into effect requiring that all ice
and snow be removed from a vehicle before
traveling on New Jersey’s roadways.
Failure to do so can result in a citation
and fine.
Division
of Highway Traffic Safety Director Pam Fischer
explained that prior to the change motorists
could only be cited if property damage or
injuries occurred as a result of failing
to remove ice and snow from their vehicles.
Drivers will now be required to make all
reasonable efforts to remove accumulated
snow and ice from all exposed surfaces prior
to operation of the vehicle, she explained.
“Snow
and ice left on a vehicle, in particular
on the hood, windows and roof, can become
a deadly projectile, creating a hazard for
everyone on the road,” Fischer said.
“The few moments it takes to clear
ice and snow from your vehicle could prevent
a crash or save a life.”
"Ice
and snow are great in their proper place,
but that place is not on your vehicle if
you're venturing out on New Jersey’s
roadways," said Colonel Rick Fuentes,
Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.
"For years we've seen evidence of the
dangers of snow and ice on vehicles. Now,
the law prohibits what common sense should
have already dictated. And troopers will
be enforcing that law this winter,"
he added.
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.
Fischer
added that, “although the weather
remains mild, it won’t be long before
winter arrives. In past years, parts of
New Jersey have experienced snow fall in
late October. By getting a head start on
preparing your vehicle for winter’s
worst, you can ensure your driving safety
throughout the winter season.”
In
anticipation of the inclement weather, motorists
are encouraged to:
-
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,
and be sure to 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
should also start assembling their winter
driving “safety kit” before
the onset of inclement weather. 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.
For
further information on winter driving, as
well as a variety of traffic safety issues,
please visit the Division of Highway Traffic
Safety’s web site, at www.njsaferoads.com
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