8 Winter Safety Tips You Should Know

As temperatures drop, the New Jersey State Police and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety offers tips to stay safe this winter.

“When temperatures plummet roadside emergencies and the risk of traffic crashes soar,” said Gary Poedubicky, Acting Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “From dead batteries to treacherous driving conditions, the cold weather brings increased risks to drivers.”

“No one wants to be involved in a crash or have their car to break down in any season, but in frigid weather the odds are higher and the consequences can be more serious,” said Col. Fuentes. “Being stranded outside in the bitter cold can be fatal.”

• Check the battery - As temperatures drop, your battery has to work harder to start the engine. Make sure your battery is up to the task by having it tested at a service station, auto parts store, or repair shop. Unplug cell phones and other electronic devices from the car’s cigarette lighter socket to avoid sapping battery power.
• Replace wiper blades – Maximum visibility during hazardous winter driving is crucial. If you’re blades are leaving residue on your windshield, you’re at risk.
• Keep windshield-washer reservoirs filled – A winter-blend washer solution with an antifreeze agent is crucial to keep your windshield free of the dirt, mud, and salt residue kicked up from messy roads.
• Check tire treads - Like a pair of sneakers that get more slippery with use, worn tire treads lose their ability to grip the road and increase your risk of crashing.

Even the best-maintained vehicles can’t guarantee safe travels in the face of icy roads and blizzard conditions. To improve your odds off staying safe:

• Plan ahead before traveling – Check road conditions and weather forecasts, especially before long trips. Avoid driving in dangerous conditions.
• If you must venture out, drive with extra caution - Reduce speed, beware of black ice, and avoid tailgating.
• Keep your gas tank full, even in hybrid vehicles – Being stuck in a wintery traffic jam or stranded on a snowy roadside might require more fuel than you anticipated to get home.
• Equip your car with a winter emergency kit - that includes a shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, emergency markers, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and sand or kitty litter to help stuck tires gain traction in snow. The kit should also include non-perishable snacks for pets and humans, bottled water, hats, and gloves and blankets to keep warm in case you become stranded.