Blizzard of 2017?
Who else here thought Spring had already started? I was wearing shorts at the park a couple of weeks ago thinking that we had made it through another winter. Well, maybe we all spoke too soon.
At last check, forecasts are pointing towards a major storm hitting New Jersey early next week. Will this be the Blizzard of 2017?
Remember the Blizzard of ’93?
For those thinking it’s too late in the year for a blizzard, history indicates otherwise. The Blizzard of 1993 has been labeled the Storm of the Century and dumped 32 inches of snow on Elizabeth, New Jersey. When did that storm occur? March 11th and 12th of 1993. Are we in for the Storm of this Century? Or will we clear out the grocery stores this weekend only to windup with an inch or two?
Top Winter Driving Myths
It’s a good time to separate facts from fiction when it comes to winter driving. If the Blizzard of 2017 does hit next week, please stay safe and let our great road crews do their work.
While taking it slow and putting down the cellphone will obviously help drivers avoid motor-vehicle accidents regardless of the road conditions, there are many myths out there when it comes to icy/snowy conditions.
Myth #1: Most serious icy road crashes are caused by careless drivers.
Studies indicate that most serious weather-related car car accidents result from drivers who were NOT operating their vehicles in a careless manner. In most cases, they are driving normally at reasonable speeds when they suddenly encounter ice and crash.
Myth #2: I’m a good driver, and I have the skill and experience to drive highway speeds in ice and snow conditions.
On the contrary, a common factor in many of the most serious and fatal auto crashes is overconfidence in one’s abilities and/or equipment.
Myth #3: Winter tires, 4WD, AWD, stability control, ABS and/or traction control allow for safe travel on icy roads at highway speeds.
“The reality is that there is no technology, no tire nor any vehicle type that allows SAFE travel on any type of icy road (snow, sleet or freezing rain) at speeds greater than 45mph. Not traction control, electronic stability control, 4WD, AWD, antilock brakes or the most expensive brand-new snow tires.”
Myth #4: Everyone should buy winter tires – that would prevent most icy road accidents.
See Previous myth
Myth #5: The worst icy road dangers are during big winter storms.
“The road ice hazard isn’t the minor fender-benders or slide-offs common during snowstorms. The real danger is the serious, highway-speed crashes during light icing events that take drivers by surprise. Most accidents in snowstorms happen at the onset of the storm or on its fringes, where accumulations are lower.”
Myth #6: Salt, sand and plow truck crews are there to make roads safe for high-speed travel during snow and ice conditions, 100% of the time.
New Jersey’s road crews work extremely hard plowing and salting the roads to keep them passable. However, they can only treat so many roads at a time and sometimes keeping up during a storm just isn’t possible. Regardless, even roads that are treated aren’t usually in ideal condition or safe for traveling at highway speeds.
Myth #7: Icy roads are a bigger threat in colder climates where ice and snow is common.
“The fatality and death rates per mile and per hour of winter precipitation events are actually higher in regions that only see a handful of snow and ice events each year.”
Elizabeth, New Jersey Accident Lawyers
Our New Jersey accident lawyers give personal attention to all of our clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, call us today at 908-352-2323 or send us email by clicking here to evaluate your case.
Our car accident injury lawyers serve clients throughout New Jersey and New York, including the cities of Newark, Elizabeth, Jersey City, Hackensack, and Morris, Bergen, Hudson, Union and Middlesex counties. We have offices in Elizabeth, New Jersey and New York City.
WE WILL FIGHT FOR YOU!
sources:
iceroadsafety.com
