Though we have not had as much snow as we did last winter at this time, there have been numerous NJ car, tractor-trailer truck and pedestrian accidents this January. Many of the accidents were caused by icy road conditions resulting from freezing rain.
Last Sunday morning, residents of New Jersey and Pennsylvania woke up to treacherous weather conditions – rain combined with near freezing temperatures. The rain turned to ice as it touched the ground and caused an icy glaze on the roads. Many drivers on the road that morning thought it was rain and did not realize that they were literally driving on sheets of ice.
As a result, hundreds of accidents were reported, and many of them resulted in serious injuries and even fatalities. New Jersey State Police stated that a total of 428 accident and 186 aid calls were reported in the areas they patrolled.
Related: Know Your Legal Rights After Being Injured in a NJ Car Accident
A man was killed in a single car crash on Route 55 in Gloucester County. There was also a multi-car crash on the New Jersey Turnpike in Teaneck. One of the more serious accidents occurred on the Walt Whitman Bridge, causing major backups for New Jersey and Pennsylvania drivers. A car hit a median on the bridge, resulting in a massive pileup involving 27 cars.
New Jersey drivers need to be careful when they are on the roads this winter. Below are some tips for drivers to follow to avoid accidents:
- Leave a safe following distance. NJ drivers may tailgate because they are in a hurry to get somewhere and may cause serious rear-end accidents. It is crucial that drivers not follow too closely to the cars ahead of them, and when the roads are slick, they need to increase that distance. Icy roads often prevent the cars from making sudden stops. As a result, a driver who does not leave enough distance will crash into the car ahead.
- Allow extra traveling time. If drivers have to drive on slippery roads, they need to allow themselves extra traveling time. If they do not, they may be in a hurry and drive recklessly. Even if drivers are running behind schedule to arrive at their destinations, it is better to be late than be involved in a car or truck accident.
As a NJ personal injury lawyer who has helped countless car accident victims in Cherry Hill, Camden, Southampton, Marlton, I know many car accidents are caused by drivers who do not follow the above tips.
Injured in a car, truck or pedestrian accident in New Jersey? Call Philip T. Ciprietti, Esq. to schedule a FREE initial consultation. 800.281.8695
*Source: www.nj.com (Icy conditions create traffic chaos in N.J. this morning)
DISCLAIMER: This website does not create any attorney-client relationship or provide legal advice. Read full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.