How to Avoid Tickets in Snow States - Easy Snow Removal Tool for Cars

The winter is nearly here, and there's no more important time to brush up on your safe driving tips to avoid tickets. Especially in states where snow is prevalent throughout the winter months, having a snow removal tool and other useful devices on hand at all times could be the thing that stops you from getting a ticket or having an accident. 

Whether you live in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, New York, or another state that will experience snow this winter, all of these tips can be applied to your vehicle and driving daily to keep you safe on the roads.

More States Are Passing Winter Driving Laws

A new Maine law under consideration in early 2023 would allow police to impose fines of $150 to $500 on drivers who do not clear their vehicles within 48 hours of a storm, a grace period that was not included in previous versions.

The Maine Department of Public Safety estimates that about 30 crashes since November were the result of snow or ice falling off one vehicle and landing on another, according to a spokesperson.

Meanwhile, New Hampshire enacted “Jessica’s Law” in 2001 after Jessica Smith was killed in a multi-vehicle crash caused by flying ice, with fines ranging from $250 to $1,000.

And Pennsylvania recently enacted “Christine’s Law,” which sets a fine of $50 for driving a snow-covered car and as much as $1,500 if the snow or ice flies off and injures someone. That law gives people 24 hours from the storm’s end to clear it, according to the National Law Review.

How to Get Ready for Winter Driving

Winter driving requires preparation, especially in states where snowstorms are common. Before hitting the road, taking a few extra steps can make a big difference in both your safety and avoiding tickets. Here’s how to get your car ready for those winter drives:

1. Check the Weather: Before you leave, check weather reports for snow or ice warnings. This will help you plan your journey accordingly, so you're not caught off guard by worsening conditions.
2. Leave Early: Snow and ice can make roads treacherous, so give yourself extra time. Leaving earlier means you won’t feel pressured to rush, reducing the temptation to speed or make risky maneuvers.
3. Clear Off Your Car Completely: Use a SnoBrum snow brush to clear snow from every part of your car—roof, windshield, headlights, and mirrors. Driving with snow or ice on your vehicle isn’t just dangerous; it can also lead to fines in many snow states.
4. Prepare for Emergencies: Always have an emergency kit in your car, including blankets, a flashlight, snacks, and a first-aid kit. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, you’ll be ready to handle any unexpected delays.

By taking these precautions before winter driving, you’ll be better prepared to avoid both accidents and potential tickets while navigating snowy roads.

1) Remove Snow and Ice

Before heading out on the road, you must check your vehicle for snow and ice. These can reduce visibility and make driving on any surface more dangerous. A snow cleaner for cars can help to quickly and effectively remove snow and ice, allowing you to head out to work without any delays.

In many parts of the U.S., you can receive a fine or driver's license suspension if you don't clear all of the snow from your car before driving, so this is something you should always take advantage of when driving this winter. Add five to ten minutes to your morning routine before heading out for the day to ensure your car is road-worthy.

2) Clean Headlights and Taillights

While using a snow rake for cars all over your vehicle, pay extra attention to the headlights and taillights. A snow brush can help you fully remove the snow and ice from these lights, plus they work when driving in dark or low light conditions.

It's more important than ever during the short winter days in states such as Maine, Michigan, and Wisconsin to ensure your lights are working effectively to avoid accidents and fines. Driving in the dark without clear lights can be almost impossible, significantly increasing the chances of an accident or swerving into another vehicle.

3) Check Tire Pressure and Tread

To avoid an accident or issues on the road this winter, ensure your tire pressure and tread are okay before going on long journeys. If you know you will be driving on snow-covered roads, you must have good pressure and tread to avoid sliding and losing vehicle control. 

After you use your snow removal tool to clean up your car, take a few minutes to perform these checks before starting your journey. While it's tempting to think you don't need to check the tires too often, you never know when a puncture or wear and tear might occur.

4) Decrease Speed and Don’t Use Cruise Control

We all lead busy lives, but during the winter, it's more important than ever to ensure you put aside a little extra time for road journeys. Even if you are familiar with the roads, you travel in Montana, Washington, or Idaho. You need to avoid using cruise control and decrease your speed when you notice snow and ice on the roads.

While it can be so tempting to break the speed limit or rush your journey, adding a few minutes extra onto your journey time could be the thing that stops you from getting a fine or ending up in an accident this winter. Plan for long journeys to allow extra time for driving at slower speeds or breaks if you need a rest from concentrating on the road.

5) Minimize Distractions

As well as avoiding speeding during the winter months, it would be best if you did everything you could to make your journey your sole focus at that time. When traveling with children, family, or friends, make them aware of your procedures for using a snow brush and keeping the car in optimum condition for the winter months.

This preparation will allow them to be a little quieter and more patient when traveling with you so that you can reduce the chance of being distracted when you are on the move. Never touch your mobile phone when driving. You'll be much more focused on the task at hand and reduce the chance of losing your license or getting injured.

6) Stay Home

During the winter months, we encourage you to ask yourself if going out is necessary. When the weather is particularly bad in states such as Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Minnesota, consider if you could work from home or avoid your journey instead.

7 Practical Winter Driving Tips to Stay Safe

With so many companies offering more flexibility, New England, the Great Lakes, and the Pacific Northwest employees may feel more comfortable just staying at home and keeping themselves safe from the snow and ice. We all know if we feel confident driving at a specific time or with certain conditions, so take your time if you feel nervous about being on the road. It's never worth taking the risk, as you may be unable to drive again or in an even worse position.

Whatever you do, always make sure you have a snow removal tool on hand if you are going to drive so that you are doing all you can to stay safe this winter.

While ensuring your vehicle is clear of snow and ice is crucial for safe winter driving, personal safety should always be your top priority. As we navigate the frosty roads of New England, the Great Lakes, or the Pacific Northwest, let's remember that our safety extends beyond just our vehicles. Here are some essential personal safety tips to keep in mind this winter:

1) Prepare an Emergency Kit

Always keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. This should include items like blankets, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. In states like Minnesota or Idaho, where winter can be particularly harsh, this kit could be a lifesaver if you find yourself stranded.

2) Dress Appropriately

Dressing for the weather is more than just comfort; it’s about safety. Keep an extra coat, gloves, and a warm hat in your car. If you need to step out to use your SnoBrum or RoofBrum, you’ll be glad to have that extra layer of protection against the cold.

3) Inform Others of Your Travel Plans

Before heading out, especially during a snowstorm, inform someone about your destination and expected arrival time. In areas like Connecticut and Rhode Island, where winter weather can be unpredictable, this simple step can be crucial in case of emergencies.

4) Stay Charged

Keep your mobile phone fully charged when you travel. Consider having a portable charger in your car. This ensures you can call for help if needed, especially in remote areas of Montana or Washington, where help might not be immediately available.

5) Mind Your Physical Well-Being

Shoveling snow or even using a snow rake can be physically demanding. Take breaks as needed, stay hydrated, and don’t overexert yourself. Remember, products like ProEdge and SnoPro are designed to make snow removal efficient and less strenuous.

6) Roadside Assistance Information

Keep your roadside assistance information handy. Whether it’s a flat tire, a dead battery, or you’re stuck in the snow, knowing who to call for help can ease much of the stress associated with winter breakdowns.

7) Trust Your Instincts

If the weather looks too severe, trust your instincts. Sometimes, the safest option is to stay home. As much as Angel-GUARD products like SnoBrum and ProEdge make winter manageable, your safety is paramount. If conditions look daunting, it's okay to postpone your trip.

By incorporating these personal safety tips into your winter routine, alongside using reliable snow removal tools from Angel-GUARD, you’re not just preparing your vehicle for the journey; you’re ensuring your utmost safety. Remember, the best winter trip is a safe one, so let's embrace these chilly months with preparedness and caution. Stay warm, stay safe, and keep following us @angelguardinc for more winter safety tips and product updates!

Key Takeaways

When avoiding tickets in snow states in the winter months, there's a lot to consider. You can apply all of these tips regarding snow cleaners for cars to keep safe on the road. It's never worth taking a risk when it comes to your safety on the road, and this winter, we encourage you to take your time and avoid distractions when driving.

If you have the option, try to stay home during the most severe weather, protecting yourself and your loved ones throughout the upcoming months.

If you're planning on keeping your large truck or trailer snow-free, make sure to check out the SnoPro and ProEdge for an easier winter. Follow us @angelguardinc for more product updates and promotions!