Ridgewood Police Issue Winter Safety Tips, Warnings

Under a law that went into effect in 2012, New Jersey drivers now face fines for failing to clean snow and ice off their cars.

In the past, drivers would only be fined if snow and ice fell off their vehicle and caused damage or injury. Now motorists will be expected to clean snow and ice off before hitting the road or face a fine of $25 to $75.

The fines for damage or injury range from $200 to $1,000, or $500 to $1,500 for commercial drivers.

Chief John Ward is asking the public to take the necessary steps to clean their cars properly before turning the ignition and hitting the gas pedal.

"It's difficult to drive in winter already and it [snow and ice falling off vehicles] does become a safety issue. When you're going 30, 40, 50 mph, ice can be a real projectile; that ice will be moving very quickly. Physics are physics," he said.

Even snow can fall off the car and blind drivers behind you, which can cause serious accidents, he told Ridgewood Patch in late 2010.

"It's happened to me and it's scary," he said. "Take the extra two minutes and help make other people safe on the roadways."

In a press release sent by the RPD, police recommend drivers:

• Tune up and winterize their vehicles, as well as check the radiator, battery, antifreeze, and all other fluid levels.
• Check tire treads and replace them if they’re unsafe.
• Check and replace windshield wiper blades if the rubber is cracked and/or brittle.  Be sure to also check and refill the washer fluid reservoir.
• Maintain at least a half a tank of gas during the winter to prevent the fuel line from freezing.

Motorists should also keep a winter driving “safety kit” in their vehicles that is easily accessible in the event of an emergency.

The kit should include: an ice scraper/brush; shovel; jumper cables or battery starter; warm blanket; sand, salt or cat litter (for traction in ice and snow); de-icer; safety flares/warning devices; flashlight and new batteries; extra windshield washer fluid; cell phone with a charged spare battery; water and non-perishable food (i.e. granola or protein bars); and, paper towels or a cloth.