'Snow Joke in New Jersey!

The trees are starting to turn, and winter will soon be upon us. While no snow is forecast for this week, now is the time to remind your students that they should be sure to clear snow and ice from their vehicles before hitting the road. Like loose items in the passenger cabin, snow and ice left on a vehicle can become deadly projectiles.

Under current state law, if ice or snow detaches from a vehicle and causes property damage or injury to others, the driver who failed to remove it from the vehicle can be cited and fined between $200 and $1,000 per offense. An amendment to that statute which takes effect on October 20, 2010, requires the driver of any vehicle operated on a roadway in the state to make all reasonable efforts to remove accumulated snow and ice from all exposed surfaces prior to operation. Drivers are encouraged to proactively clear their vehicle's lights, hood, windows, and roof.

It's safest to stay off of the road in bad weather, Highway Traffic Safety Director Pam Fischer reminds us. "If you must travel, slow down—particularly on exit ramps and bridges; leave ample travel time; allow extra space between your vehicle and others on the road; make sure you turn on your headlights, using low beams when driving in snow; and, buckle up, every ride."

To help prepare a vehicle for safe winter travel:

• Check the radiator, battery, and all fluid levels—especially antifreeze and windshield washer fluid. If you don't know what you're looking for or how to correct a problem, enlist the help of a qualified mechanic.
• Check the tires and replace them if they have less than 1/16" tread. (Even more is better for wintery conditions!) Change to snow tires before the first snow if you intend to use them.
• Check windshield wiper blades and replace them if the rubber is cracked and/or brittle.
• Keep the gas tank at least half-full in cold temperatures to prevent the fuel line from freezing.
• Keep a "winter survival kit" in the vehicle that is easily accessible in the event of an emergency. The kit might include: an ice scraper/brush; a shovel; jumper cables; a warm blanket; a traction enhancer (e.g., sand, salt, cat litter); lock de-icer; safety flares/warning devices; a flashlight with fresh batteries; extra windshield washer fluid; and water and non-perishable food.