The Do’s and Don’ts of Driving in New Jersey Snow

Snow in New Jersey can be scary – especially when you’re on the roads. While staying off the icy and powdery roads is the best way to avoid accidents, sometimes it just isn’t possible. So before you climb behind the wheel and venture out into the snow, it is important to refresh yourself on what to do and what not to do while driving in New Jersey’s winter.

What to Do:

 

Take it Slow!

Drive slowly. Accelerate slowly to avoid your tires spinning out, and decelerate slowly to avoid skids. Take turns and corners slower than you ever would normally. Start slowing down long before stoplights and stop signs, as it will take your car much longer to come to a complete stop.

 

Check Your Tires and Use AWD

So much of being in control in the snow depends on your tires, their treads, and the air pressure. If you know that you will be driving in the snow this winter, look into the state of your tires, and make upgrades. All-Wheel-Drive can also be a huge help in maintaining control on slippery, snowy roads, but it is not foolproof. Drive slowly and carefully, even if you have AWD, and pay attention to the conditions and other drivers around you.

 

Control Your Skids

Correctly handling skids is counter-intuitive. If your car begins to skid, the best way to come out of it and regain control is to:

1. turn lightly INTO the skid,
2. step off the gas, and
3. DO NOT slam on the brakes. Slamming on the brakes can lock up your tires, which will insure that you continue to skid.

 

See Others and be Seen

Turn your lights on when you are driving in New Jersey snow. Make sure that you are aware of the road/weather conditions, and that you are aware of those around you. Many accidents in the snow occur because of collisions with other vehicles. Make sure that you can see other vehicles on the road, and that they can see you.

 

Stay Home!

Sometimes this is not an option, but if it is at all possible, stay home! Wait until the roads are clear, or the storm has stopped. Even if you are an experienced New Jersey winter driver, the other drivers out there may not be. Wait out the storm at home and stay safe!

 

What NOT to Do:

 

Don’t Slam on the Brakes

Slamming on your brakes can lock up your tires. On slippery roads, locked tires give you almost no control. Even though you may want to slow down, locking your brakes is NOT the best way to do so in the snow. If you have standard brakes, pump them gently while steering into any skids. If you have ABS brakes, apply steady pressure to the brakes.

 

Don’t rely too heavily on your AWD

Many drivers think that AWD is the cure-all to the dangers of driving in the snow. It is not. AWD gives you a bit of added control (not even as much as high quality tires!), but it DOES NOT make your vehicle invulnerable to accidents. Do not speed up your driving or ignore warning signs just because you have AWD.

 

Don’t power up hills

Stepping hard on the gas right as you’re going up a hill can cause your tires to spin out, and stop your forward progress. If you are nearing a hill, build up some momentum before you reach the incline, and let that momentum help carry you forward.

 

Don’t stop on hills

If you stop on a hill, it is very difficult to start again. Your tires may spin out, and you may not have enough momentum to carry you over the hill. Stop long before a hill or once you have crested the top. It is very dangerous to stop on an incline, as gravity could very well pull you back down.

 

Don’t speed

This is a rule that every New Jersey driver should follow all the time. But when the road conditions are dangerous, it is even more crucial. It is harder to maintain control in a skid the faster your vehicle is moving, and this can become dangerous not only for you and your passengers, but for other drivers on the road. In the snow, slow is safe.

 

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