What Are the Most Dangerous Winter Driving Hazards?
Posted January 2nd, 2025.
Categories: Blog.
Winter in New Jersey can be beautiful with snow-covered landscapes and festive holiday lights. However, it can also bring a variety of hazards that can make driving even short distances treacherous. It is crucial that NJ drivers understand the most dangerous winter driving hazards to ensure safety on the road. If you were involved in a car accident, speak with a Cherry Hill personal injury attorney for skilled representation and legal advice.
Most Dangerous Winter Driving Hazards
- Snow: Snow accumulation can be a serious hazard during NJ winters. Snow on roads can lead to slippery conditions and many people do not clear their cars off entirely before getting on the road. When snow build up on the roof of cars slides off it could reduce visibility or hit another car, causing serious danger.
- Ice: Ice is one of the most dangerous driving hazards during the winter months. Ice on the roads, particularly black ice, can be almost invisible, causing people to not realize they are driving on slippery roads. Tires cannot grip ice well and vehicles may spin out of control or slide all over the road. Braking may not work in time to avoid a collision or running a red light.
- Limited visibility: Winter storms can impact visibility and make it difficult for drivers to see the road, surrounding vehicles, signs, lane lines, and more. Snowfall can quickly accumulate on a driver’s windshield and reduce visibility until the driver cannot see more than a few feet ahead of them. Fog and rain can also contribute to limited visibility.
- Snowbanks: Plows and snowfall can create snowbanks and drifts that act as obstacles for drivers. They can make the amount of road space narrower and obscure visibility.
- Traffic: Winter often brings an increase in traffic, especially around the holidays. More cars on the road means more potential for accidents and road rage.
- Carbon monoxide: During the winter people tend to let their car warm up before driving it for the vehicle’s well-being and their own comfort. However, if the car is left running in an enclosed area like a small garage or if snow is blocking the exhaust, it could result in carbon monoxide poisoning and death.
- Bridges: Bridges and ramps often freeze quicker than regular roads. Drivers may not realize that ice has accumulated until they are already spinning out or have hit another vehicle because they slid instead of stopping after hitting the brakes.
- Tire pressure: Cold air in winter months reduces the air pressure in your tires. This can result in a serious risk of losing control of the vehicle.
- Hail: Hailstorms can pose a serious threat to driver safety. When hail falls from the sky it can create dents in your car’s exterior as well as potentially shattering your windshield and windows, especially if you are traveling at high speeds.
Driving in New Jersey during the winter months can result in many challenges and dangers. Understanding the risks associated with winter driving hazards can help prevent accidents and unnecessary damage.
