3 Ways to Prepare for Tuesday’s Storm

AAA Encouraging Drivers to Take Every Precaution

Hamilton, NJ, March 13, 2017-Given the blizzard-like conditions and heavy snow in the forecast, AAA is encouraging all drivers across New Jersey to prepare today for tomorrow, to ensure our roadways are as safe as possible throughout the storm.

“The best thing about this storm is that we know it’s coming, giving everyone the opportunity to prepare,” says Tracy Noble, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Driving in adverse conditions  – or getting stranded roadside - puts drivers, their passengers and those who then must come to their rescue, at increased risk.”

AAA says drivers can minimize risk 3 ways:

1. Prepare to Stay Home:

AAA is encouraging drivers to stay off the roads Tuesday into Wednesday if possible, minimizing the risk for those who must be out, such as State and local police, hospital staff, and roadside rescue crews.

2. Prepare Your Vehicle:

So far this winter in New Jersey, AAA has handled almost 94,000 emergency roadside assistance calls with the most common problems being towing, dead batteries, and flat tires.

For those who must spend some part of Tuesday on the road, AAA is reminding them to spend some part of today making sure their vehicle is as winter-ready as possible.  This includes:

• Checking your battery
• Checking tire pressure
• Filling the gas tank
• Checking that windshield wipers are in good working order
• Checking that headlights are working and clean
• Having a fully stocked winter emergency kit: Shovel, ice scraper, de-icer, blanket, gloves, flashlight, warning flares, kitty litter, fully charged cellphone, cellphone charger, water, snacks, medicine

 3. Prepare Yourself - adjust your driving behavior in accordance with the conditions

Dangerous winter storms and bad weather are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than two thousand road deaths every winter, according to the latest research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

“If you have to be out, drive with caution and give road crews plenty of room to do their job safely,” added Noble. “For everyone’s safety on the roads, drivers should allow plenty of extra time to properly clean off their vehicle before getting behind the wheel.”

AAA recommends drivers adjust their driving by:

• Thoroughly clean off your car – (NJ law requires motorists to clean their cars off completely so snow and ice do not dislodge while driving)
• Slow down - Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly
• Increase your following distance to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• If you skid, always look and steer in the direction you want to go
• Don’t use cruise control
• Turn on your headlights so you can see and be seen
• Eliminate distractions

And of course always wear your seat belt. 

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 56 million members nationwide and nearly two million members in New Jersey. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information, visit  https://aaa.com