Preparing Your Car for Winter Roads: Tips to Prevent Collisions

Winter in New Jersey brings icy roads, heavy snow, and reduced visibility—all of which increase the likelihood of accidents. Preparing your vehicle and adjusting your driving habits for these hazardous conditions can significantly reduce your risk of a collision. While these precautions are essential, accidents caused by another driver’s negligence can still happen, leaving you with injuries and mounting expenses.

Here are helpful tips for driving in winter, how to prepare your car, and what to do if you’re involved in an accident despite taking every precaution.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Roads

A well-prepared vehicle is your first line of defense against winter collisions. Here’s how to ensure your car is ready to handle icy roads and freezing temperatures:

Check Your Tires

Proper tire maintenance is critical during the winter months. Ensure your tires have adequate tread depth to maintain traction on icy and snowy roads. For New Jersey drivers, switching to winter tires can provide additional grip and stability, especially in areas prone to heavy snowfall.

Test Your Brakes

Winter conditions demand reliable brakes. Have your brake system inspected to ensure it’s functioning optimally. If you notice any squeaking, grinding, or reduced braking power, address the issue immediately to avoid potential accidents.

Inspect Windshield Wipers and Washer Fluid

Visibility is often compromised during winter storms. Replace old or worn-out windshield wipers and fill your washer fluid reservoir with a solution designed for freezing temperatures. This simple step can help you maintain a clear view of the road, even in heavy snow or sleet.

Ensure Your Battery Is Fully Charged

Cold weather reduces your battery’s efficiency, increasing the risk of it dying unexpectedly. Test your battery and replace it if necessary to avoid being stranded in freezing conditions.

Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Vehicle

Pack an emergency kit that includes items such as blankets, a flashlight, jumper cables, a first aid kit, and non-perishable snacks. These essentials can keep you safe and prepared for unexpected situations.

Adjusting Your Driving Habits for Winter Safety

Even with a well-prepared vehicle, driving in winter conditions requires caution and awareness. Here are tips for driving in winter to help you stay safe on the road:

Slow Down

Speeding is one of the leading causes of winter accidents. Reduce your speed to accommodate icy or snow-covered roads, and leave extra time to reach your destination.

Increase Following Distance

In winter weather, stopping distances can be much longer than usual. Maintain at least a six-second gap between your car and the vehicle in front of you to give yourself more time to react.

Avoid Sudden Movements

Abrupt braking, accelerating, or turning can cause your vehicle to lose traction and skid. Make all adjustments gradually to maintain control of your car.

Be Mindful of Black Ice

Black ice is a hidden danger during winter, often forming on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas of the road. Pay close attention to these areas and avoid sudden maneuvers when driving over them.

Use Low Beams in Fog and Snow

High beams can reflect off fog or snow, reducing visibility. Stick to low beams to improve your ability to see and be seen by other drivers.

Avoiding Common Causes of Winter Collisions

Winter weather creates unique challenges, but many accidents are preventable with proper awareness. Here’s how to avoid a car accident during the winter by addressing common risk factors:

Plan Ahead for Weather Conditions

Check the weather forecast before heading out and avoid driving during severe storms if possible. Planning ahead can help you avoid dangerous conditions and unnecessary risks.

Avoid Distracted Driving

Winter roads demand your full attention. Put away your phone, limit in-car distractions, and focus on navigating icy or snow-covered roads safely.

Be Extra Cautious at Intersections

Slippery intersections are a common site for winter accidents. Approach slowly and be prepared for other drivers who may slide into the intersection or fail to stop in time.

Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists

Snowbanks and poor visibility can obscure pedestrians and cyclists, especially in high-traffic areas. Drive cautiously and stay alert for anyone crossing the road or traveling near traffic.

What to Do If You’re in a Winter Car Accident

Despite your best efforts to prevent a collision, accidents caused by another driver’s negligence can still occur. If you’re involved in a car accident, taking the right steps afterward can protect your health and your ability to file a car accident claim:

Call Emergency Services

Notify law enforcement and request medical assistance, even if your injuries seem minor. A police report is a critical piece of evidence for your claim.

Document the Scene

Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. These images can provide valuable evidence to establish fault.

Seek Medical Attention

Winter accidents often result in injuries that may not be immediately apparent. A medical evaluation ensures your injuries are documented and treated appropriately.

Exchange Information

Collect the contact and insurance details of all parties involved in the accident. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information as well.

Consult a Car Accident Lawyer

An experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal process, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. This allows you to focus on your recovery while ensuring your rights are protected.

How New Jersey Laws Impact Winter Car Accident Claims

In New Jersey, drivers are required to rely on their own insurance policies to cover initial injury-related costs after an accident, irrespective of fault. For more severe injuries—like permanent disfigurement or significant scarring—it’s possible to take legal action against the responsible party to recover additional damages.

Additionally, New Jersey follows modified comparative negligence rules, which could reduce your recovery amount if you share responsibility for the accident. To navigate these complexities and ensure you’re fairly compensated, working with an experienced lawyer is highly recommended.

Injured in a Car Accident This Winter Season? Call DiTomaso Law to File a New Jersey Personal Injury Claim

While preparing your car and adjusting your driving habits can reduce your risk, not all accidents are avoidable. If you’ve been injured in a winter collision caused by someone else’s negligence, DiTomaso Law is here to help. We represent clients in Cherry Hill, Collingswood, Glassboro and throughout New Jersey. 

Call 856-414-0010 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers. Let us handle the legal process so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery.

Don’t let winter roads leave you stranded. Reach out to DiTomaso Law today!

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.