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Trenton
– With the winter season well underway,
Division of Highway Traffic Safety Acting
Director Gary Poedubicky today reminded
motorists to always remove accumulated ice
and snow from their vehicles before traveling
on New Jersey’s roadways.
“We’re
only one month into winter, and the state
has already experienced several major snow
storms. With almost two more months of winter
driving still ahead of us, we’re reminding
motorists of the life-saving importance
of clearing their vehicles before driving,”
Poedubicky said. “Ice and snow flying
off of a vehicle’s roof or hood can
create a potentially deadly situation on
the roads. It only takes a few moments to
clean off a vehicle, and it’s time
well spent that could ultimately prevent
a tragedy.”
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. 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.
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,
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.
-
Wear clothing and shoes that will keep
you warm if your vehicle breaks down.
Motorists
should also 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.
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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