NJ Office of Emergency Management Urges Caution on Roads

STATE POLICE RELEASE:
TRENTON — ­ Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police and Director of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, is advising drivers to slow down and take caution during the Thursday, Feb. 25 “rush hour” morning commute.
Colonel Fuentes is recommending that all state residents and commuters properly prepare for Thursday morning¹s impending winter weather. As such, the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management is closely monitoring the approaching storm. NJOEM is anticipating a wintry mix of wet snow throughout portions of New Jersey¹s southern, central and northern counties.
Drivers are advised to drive with caution, follow the rules of the road, stay alert and respect the weather elements that may impact their drive. Unnecessary travel is not recommended.
Motorists are encouraged to check for current road conditions at the New Jersey Department of Transportation website: www.511nj.org or at the South Jersey Transportation Authority website: http://www2.sjta.com/sjta/.
The following is a list of general winter weather preparedness tips:
Travel Items to Include: All cars should be equipped with road maps, a cell phone, a shovel, a windshield scraper, a towrope, booster cables, and a brightly colored cloth to use as a distress signal. A bag of sand or non-clumping cat litter to spread under tires if stuck in snow is also recommended.
Proper Travel Notification: Drivers should inform someone that they are taking a trip, where they are going, the routes that will be traveled and when they are expected to return. Upon reaching their destination, drivers should call to report arrival. If traveling a long distance, please remember to fill up on fuel prior to making your trip. While traveling, stop frequently to refill the fuel tank. The breaks will help drivers stay alert.
On the Road: Always follow the rules of the road and adhere to the following guidelines:
Always buckle your seat belt.
Brake properly to avoid skidding. If driving on snow or ice, start slowly and brake gently. Begin braking early when approaching an intersection.
If the vehicle starts to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until regaining traction, and then straighten the vehicle. For vehicles with antilock brakes, apply steady pressure.
Visibility and speed:
In fog, drive with headlights set on dim or use fog lights.
In rain, fog, snow or sleet, stay within the limits of your vision. If it is too difficult to see, pull off the road and stop.
Drive slowly and increase following distance. Vehicle speed should adjust for conditions and match the flow of traffic.
Watch for slick spots. Be physically and mentally prepared to react.
For more information regarding winter safety information please log on to:
www.ready.nj.gov