Driving in Bad Weather

February 19, 2026

It looks like we may have another round of snowy weather possibly heading our way this Sunday...

All of our recent snow events highlight the need to be prepared for driving in bad winter weather conditions. These snowstorms should also remind us all that we are prone here in Mercer County to experience winter storms conditions that will frequently involve icy sleet and rain added to our snow events making the roads quite slick and dangerous.

Mayor Bert Steinmann encourages you to stay informed about weather conditions and the Office of Emergency Management offers the following tips so that when you must drive, you can operate your vehicle safely.

Be Prepared

Carry an Auto Emergency Kit in your vehicle no matter the season.
Include items from the NJOEM Basic Preparedness page. Add cell phone and car chargers and road maps. Winter additions include a shovel, windshield scraper, tow rope, booster cables, bright cloth to use as flag or distress signal, a bag of sand or non-clumping cat litter to place under tires if stuck in the snow.

Obey State and Local Guidance regarding state of emergencies. Stay Home!! Stay up-to-date on the incoming weather. Listen to the local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates. Sign up for Ewing specific emergency community notifications at Rave Alerts.

General Severe Weather Driving Tips

Always wear your seat belt (and your passengers too!)
Allow extra time to get to your destination! That includes time to clear off your vehicle as well as driving time. NJ state law requires that snow and ice be cleared from the windows, ROOF, trunk, and hood to prevent accidents and injuries. When snow is blown off a moving car, it can create white-out conditions, as well as slick patches for vehicles following.
Allow extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you. SLOW DOWN. You can't expect to drive as if there are no inclement road conditions | Increase your following distance. Adjust your speed for conditions. Match the flow of traffic | Look out for slick spots/ice.
Don't wait until the last moment to abruptly apply the brakes. That is likely to result in a skid. If driving on snow or ice, start slowly and brake gently.
If you start to skid, ease off the gas pedal or brakes carefully. Then steer into the direction of the skid until you regain traction and then straighten your vehicle. If you have antilock brakes, apply steady pressure.
Expect decreased visibility | Give yourself more visibility. Drive with headlights set on dim or use fog lights | In rain, fog, snow, or sleet, stay within the limits of your vision. If you can’t see clearly you should elect to pull off to the side of the road and stop.
Slow down when approaching bridges and overpasses as they freeze first.
Exercise care near other vehicles on the road:

- Passing a vehicle in low visibility is not a good idea. There may be vehicles ahead you cannot see.
- Take extra care around snowplows. Do not drive too close behind a plow as they may be spreading salt. When approaching a plow coming at you, allow plenty of room for it to pass. Its blade may cross the centerline.
- Be careful when you approach any special low visibility hazards such as a cloud of snow that obscures the road, especially on passing lanes of interstates or freeways. A snowplow may be ahead clearing the lane or preparing to turn around.
- Be careful after any minor accident. If you are bumped from behind and do not feel comfortable exiting your vehicle, motion to the other driver and drive to the nearest safe place to stop, such as a 24-hour convenience store.

Turn back and seek shelter if conditions become threatening. Don’t try to brave it out.
Don't use your phone or get distracted. While distracted driving is always dangerous, it is especially dangerous in bad weather.

If You Become Stranded

Follow these standard stranded vehicle procedures:

Pull off the road as far as possible if you break down. The low visibility and poorer vehicle control from other vehicles are your greatest safety threats.
Stay with your vehicle. Not only do you exposure yourself to the poor weather conditions, but you may become lost/disoriented out on the road.
Call for help if you have a cell phone.
Display a trouble sign. Attach the brightly colored cloth from your emergency kit to your car's antenna.
Run the engine and the heater for 10 minutes each hour. This gives you a chance to warm up.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a real threat. Clear snow away from the exhaust pipe and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation to avoid it.
Turn on your vehicle's interior light to make it easier for rescuers to find you.
Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts added strain on the heart. Shoveling snow or pushing the car in freezing temperatures can cause a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.
Watch out for hypothermia or frostbite:

- Hypothermia signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory lapses and drowsiness.
- Frostbite symptoms include numb or pale fingers, toes, nose, and ears.
- Warm the torso area first and work outward, finishing with the extremities. Use a blanket. Occasionally moving arms and legs will stimulate circulation.

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with these simple tips and respond to the change in road conditions appropriately when the time comes. Your care and preparedness will help you get through our icy rain/sleet and snow events and the winter season safely.

Please also help out our Public Works crews by parking your vehicle off the street during any snow event. This will enable the work crews to make a cleaner sweep of your street by not having to go around your car. (See Township Code, §225-6)

Additional Resources

Winter Storm Preparedness: Tips and Requirements, Ewing Township 2019.