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The best way to stay safe during a snowstorm is simply to stay off the roads, if possible. Fewer unnecessary vehicles on the roads means fewer accidents and allows maintenance and first responders to better do their jobs. If you absolutely have to go out, follow these tips from AAA South Jersey to protect yourself and others.

Tips for Driving in Snowy or Icy Conditions

Stay home. Only go out if necessary. Even if you can drive well in bad weather, it’s better to avoid taking unnecessary risks by venturing out.
Stay alert. Avoid driving if you are tired. Get the proper amount of rest before driving in winter weather.
Slow down. Adjust your speed and leave yourself ample room to stop. Allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Accelerate, turn and brake gradually.
Watch the traffic ahead. Slow down immediately at the sight of brake lights, skidding vehicles, or emergency flashers.
Never use cruise control on slippery roads. You will lose the ability to transfer more weight to the front tires by simply lifting off the accelerator.
Avoid unnecessary lane changes. This increases the chances of hitting a patch of ice between lanes, which could cause loss of vehicle traction.
Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads may only result in spinning your wheels. Try to get a little momentum up before you reach the hill and let that carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible.
Minimize the need to brake on ice. If you are approaching a stop sign, traffic light, or other area where ice often forms, brake early on clear pavement to reduce speed. Vehicle control is much more difficult when braking on ice-covered roadways.
Control the skid. Slamming on the brakes can make the skid even worse. In the event of a skid, continue to look and steer where you want to go.
Do not brake and turn at the same time. Asking your vehicle to do two things at a time makes it more likely that your tires will lose traction. Brake first, then turn, then accelerate.
Know your brakes. If you have anti-lock brakes and need to slow down quickly, put your foot down hard on the pedal. It is normal for the pedal to vibrate a bit when the ABS is activated. If your car does not have an anti-lock braking system – keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to regulate the pressure applied to the brake pedal so that the brakes are at the “threshold” of lockup but still rotating.
Drive-distraction free. Do not text or engage in activities that will distract you while driving. If driving with a passenger, ask them to carry out activities that would otherwise distract you from driving safely.

Tips for Driving on Black Ice

Be on the lookout. Black ice forms when liquid on an otherwise clear roadway freezes as temperatures drop. Pavement covered in black ice may be a little darker and duller than the rest of the road surface.
Use extreme caution in certain areas. Black ice typically forms first in shaded areas of the roadway and on bridges and overpasses that freeze first and melt last. Although the road leading up to a bridge may be fine, the bridge itself could be a sheet of ice.

How to Clear Snow and Ice Off of Your Vehicle

Use a de-icer spray on the windshield, side windows, and mirrors to kick ice-clearing into high gear.
Use the de-icer spray on the wiper blades. Pull them off the glass before scraping the windshield. Tears on the rubber parts of the blades could ruin them.
An extendable foam snow brush can help you clear hard-to-reach areas on the roof. Plus, unlike brooms and shovels, foam tools are less likely to scratch a car’s finish.
Work from the top down, pulling snow toward you. It requires less effort and helps you avoid clearing the same areas twice.
When possible, park facing east the night before. This will allow the sun to start melting the snow or ice first thing in the morning.
Never use hot water to melt ice; instead, let your front and rear defrosters work their magic – just make sure the tailpipe is clear and never leave the engine running in an enclosed area like a garage.

What to Do in a Winter Emergency

AAA advises drivers to follow guidance from local authorities during winter weather events and, when possible, stay home even after the storm passes. Keeping the roads clear of unnecessary traffic will help first responders, including roadside technicians and tow providers, do their job safely and efficiently. If you must be on the roads, AAA recommends:

Be prepared by having your vehicle inspected by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility before hitting the road to ensure everything is in good working order.
Check the weather at your starting point, along your route, and at your destination. If bad weather is expected at any point, if possible, delay your trip until conditions improve.
Stay connected by notifying your friends and family of your route, destination, and estimated time of arrival.
Slow Down, Move Over when you see first responders, roadside technicians, tow providers, or stranded drivers along the side of the road. Winter conditions make the road more dangerous than usual, and staying alert keeps everyone safe.

If you are stranded while traveling in winter weather, AAA recommends:

Stay with your vehicle since it provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you.
Do not try to walk in a severe storm since it is easy to lose sight of your vehicle and get lost in blowing snow. Also, passing vehicles may not be able to see you.
Don’t overexert yourself trying to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled-up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice, or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the vehicle when the engine is running.
Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. If you don’t have an emergency kit with extra coats and blankets, you may use floor mats or other similar items. The point is to stay warm.

Emergency Kit

AAA strongly recommends drivers keep a well-stocked emergency kit in their vehicle. But this is especially important in the winter. A well-stocked emergency kit should include the following:

Cell phone car chargers
Flashlight with extra batteries
Reflective or warning triangles (put outside of the vehicle to signal a breakdown)
First-aid kit
Drinking water and non-perishable food for travelers and pets
Traction aids (sand, salt, non-clumping cat litter, or traction mats)
Ice scraper or snow brush and shovel
Gloves, extra coats or sweatshirts, hats, and blankets

AAA Response to Roadside Calls

During big winter storms, AAA will see an increase in calls for roadside assistance. Especially in those areas where the weather will be the most severe. Increased call volume combined with hazardous conditions will cause a delay in response time – especially if an area is inaccessible. When it is possible for roadside technicians and tow providers to go out, the safety of our members is AAA’s greatest concern, and priority is given to those stranded in the most dangerous conditions.