What items should I pack in my car to ensure my safety during the winter months?
As temperatures continue to drop in New Jersey, now is the time for drivers to start to prepare for the coming inclement weather. Winter in New Jersey brings with it a wide array of challenges for drivers, including ice, snow, and hail. Our
Shrewsbury, New Jersey personal injury lawyers offer some tips to keep you and your family safe while navigating the roadways this winter.
Get Your Car Serviced Now
Now is the time to make sure your vehicle is in prime operating condition. Breaking down while on snowy or icy roads can not only prove to be inconvenient, it can be downright dangerous. Take your car into the mechanic before the snow comes for routine maintenance. Be sure the tires are in good condition and properly inflated, all fluids are topped off, and other main components are running well.
Stow Some Essentials
During the winter months, it is wise to stock your vehicle with some survival essentials should you find yourself stranded due to extreme weather or your vehicle breaks down. Items that you should place in your vehicle include jumper cables, a
flash light, a spare tire, sand, a snow shovel, flares, blankets, water, some non-perishable food items, and a cell phone charger.
Hopefully these items will sit unused until next season, but it is far better to be prepared should the worst occur.
Observe Safe Driving Behaviors
When the roads are potentially icy or snowy, you will need to adjust your driving. Ice and snow will make it far harder to stop your car in time to prevent an accident. As such, you will want to increase your following distance so that you will have plenty of time to stop in the event of an obstacle ahead. You should also learn your vehicle’s
break system. If you have anti-lock brakes, you will want to apply firm and continuous pressure to prevent your wheels from locking during braking, while those without anti-lock brakes may need to pump their brakes if the wheel starts locking.
Anyone who is injured in a
driving accident this winter that may have been due to the negligence of another should contact a personal injury lawyer right away. Your personal injury attorney will review the facts surrounding your accident to provide you with an overview of your legal rights.