Trenton, NJ – With Thanksgiving travel season just around the corner, New Jersey transportation officials are urging drivers to prepare their vehicles now for winter conditions. From Atlantic City to Morristown, state agencies are emphasizing early maintenance and road safety as key to avoiding breakdowns, delays, and accidents during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.
The Importance of Early Winter Preparation
According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), early November is the optimal time for residents to winterize their cars. Officials stress that taking preventive measures before freezing temperatures arrive can significantly reduce the risk of roadside emergencies.
NJDOT recommends that drivers:
- Inspect tire tread and air pressure for adequate traction.
- Check and refill vehicle fluids, including antifreeze and windshield washer fluid.
- Replace worn windshield wipers for maximum visibility.
- Test car batteries to ensure reliability in cold conditions.
Every vehicle, NJDOT notes, should carry a winter emergency kit.
Essential items include:
- A warm blanket and extra clothing
- A flashlight with fresh batteries
- Jumper cables
- Nonperishable snacks and bottled water
- Traction material such as sand or kitty litter
“Preparing now means fewer surprises once the season’s first snow hits,” an NJDOT spokesperson said. “A few minutes of maintenance can prevent hours stranded on the roadside later.”
Travel Conditions and Safety Recommendations
Drivers planning to travel along major routes — including the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike, and Interstate 80 — are advised to expect heavy holiday traffic and rapidly changing weather between the coast and inland regions.
Officials also recommend:
- Keeping fuel tanks at least half full to prevent gas line freeze-ups.
- Packing extra warm clothing and blankets for long-distance trips.
- Ensuring cell phones are fully charged before departure.
- Leaving additional travel time to account for weather-related delays.
Motorists heading toward Atlantic City should remain cautious of coastal winds and icy patches, while those traveling through Morristown and northern New Jersey should anticipate colder temperatures and potential snow flurries.
Monitoring Road Conditions and Alerts
To stay informed during storms or high-traffic periods, NJDOT advises travelers to check 511NJ.org for live traffic updates, road closures, and plow operations. The system offers real-time visuals of highways and weather alerts throughout the state.
The New Jersey State Police and Department of Environmental Protection also coordinate during major weather events to monitor road safety and deploy salt trucks or snowplows as needed.
“We want drivers to make safety their top priority,” said a spokesperson for the NJDOT Traffic Operations Center. “Being prepared, informed, and cautious can make all the difference during winter travel.”
Ongoing Readiness for the Season
As winter approaches, NJDOT crews continue to inspect and stock salt yards, prepare plow fleets, and ensure that statewide response teams are ready for early snow or ice events.
The department encourages all motorists to review their winter driving habits, such as increasing following distance, braking gently, and avoiding sudden maneuvers on icy roads.
Drivers are also reminded to clear all snow and ice from vehicle roofs and windshields before driving — a safety rule that helps prevent accidents and is enforceable by state law.
Conclusion
With Thanksgiving marking the start of the winter travel season, New Jersey officials are reminding everyone that proactive preparation now means safer, smoother trips later. By winterizing vehicles and staying alert to traffic and weather updates, travelers can ensure they arrive at their holiday destinations safely and on time.
What steps are you taking to prepare for Thanksgiving travel? Share your winter driving tips in the comments below.
