Chapter 4 Rules and Regulations for SAFE DRIVING

Chapter 4 Rules and Regulations for SAFE DRIVING

Speed Control Exceeding the speed is a common cause of fatal and other types of accidents. n Speeding affects almost everything that can happen while driving. n Rules: n Keep up with the flow of traffic at the legal speed. n Keep enough distance from surrounding traffic. n

New Jersey Speed Limits n n n 25 MPH- Business or residential districts 35 MPH- Suburban business and residential areas 50 MPH- All other roadways 55 MPH- Certain Highways (as posted) & all interstates 65 MPH- Certain Highways (as posted) **Drivers pay double fines for exceeding a 65 MPH limit by 10 MPH or more!!!

Remember: n Never drive faster than weather, roads or other conditions allow, REGARDLESS OF THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT n Judge your speed control by existing conditions. n Motorists should slow down and be able to see clearly and stop in traffic.

It is important to slow down especially here: On narrow or winding roadways n At intersections or railroad crossings n On Hills n At Sharp or blind curves n Where pedestrians or driving hazards are present n On wet or slippery roads n

Driving too Slowly Some accidents result from driving too slowly and backing up traffic. n NJ law prohibits blocking traffic through slow driving. **Elderly people video n

Passing n n Know the proper lane for normal driving and how to change lanes safely. Rules for passing depend on the road type. Stay to the right of the center lanes. Only pass when you must and when it is safe! n n n You cannot pass if the center lanes are both solid (prohibited). If one of the center lines are broken, passing is allowed only on the broken lane side. If both center lines are broken, passing is allowed on both sides

PASS ONLY WHEN SAFE!! - - DO NOT PASS WHEN: On a hill or a curve At a street crossing or intersection At a railroad crossing On narrow bridges, or in an underpass and tunnels When a sign prohibits passing or lines prohibit When behind a vehicle that has stopped to let pedestrians cross

Keep to the Right n New Jersey law requires drivers to keep to the right, except when passing.

Yielding the Right-of-Way Laws govern which vehicle has the right of way, but drivers should always be prepared to yield. n You must always yield to: n Police n Fire trucks n Ambulances n *When giving warning signs; sirens and lights.

Pedestrians in a Crosswalk n NJ State law requires all motorists to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. n Whenever a vehicle is stopped to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, it is against the law for any vehicle to pass the stopped vehicle. n All pedestrians in a crosswalk must be given the right of way.

Controlled Intersections n n n Is an intersection where traffic is regulated by a traffic signal or regulatory sign. Always stop at a multi-way stop or stop intersection. Always yield to the driver on the “RIGHT” if arriving simultaneously at a controlled intersection; 4 -way stop. Always yield to any driver already at or in an intersection When making a left turn at an intersection, yield to oncoming traffic and all pedestrians within a crosswalk. Diagram

Uncontrolled Intersections Is when 2 or more roads join and there is no traffic signal or regulatory device. n Can potentially be dangerous!! See Why? ? ? n

Blind Intersections Buildings, parked cars, or bushes can obstruct motorists’ line of sight. n Trees, crops etc. may obstruct motorists line of sight. n

Circle Intersections n There are no set rules for driving into, around and out of a traffic circle in New Jersey. Use common sense and caution. n History usually determines the right of way. n

Entering Highways, Parkways & Turnpikes n Motorists enter these roadways on acceleration lanes or extra lanes used by motor to speed up to join the traffic flow. n Must yield to traffic already on roadway. n Try to avoid coming to a complete stop in the acceleration lane.

Leaving Highways, Parkways & Turnpikes

Curves n It is important to adjust steering and speed when approaching a curve in a road. n The best way to enter a curve in a road is to slow down before entering.

Turning Regulations Right Turn on Red n Unless a No Turn on Red signs is posted, NJ law permits motorists to make a right turn on right after coming to a full stop and checking traffic.

Right Turns n To make a right turn, drive to the intersection as closely to the right as possible.

Left Turns n n When two vehicles converge at an intersection and both have signaled to turn left, use extra caution! When safe, each driver should turn to the left of the center of the intersection.

Stopping Regulations When a Motorist Must Stop: -At an intersection with a stop sign -At an intersection with a red light, flashing or otherwise -When a traffic officer orders a motorist to stop -When there is a yield sign and traffic does not permit a safe merge -School bus is picking up or dropping off kids; or bus lights are flashing red -At a bridge which is about to open -For Pedestrians in a crosswalk/intersection

Stopping a Railroad Crossings n Motorists must stop at least 15 feet from railroad crossings when there are flashing lights. n Some vehicles ALWAYS stop at railroad crossings, such as school buses /tractor-trailers. n Never stop on tracks!! n If a vehicle stalls on the tracks, get out a walk clear if a train is coming!! Note: 500 people/year are hit by trains.

Stopping for School Buses & Ice Cream Trucks Do not pass or closely approach a school bus with flashing red lights. n State laws require that motorists stop at least 25 feet away if traveling n When approaching an ice cream truck with flashing red lights, be prepared to stop! n

Pulling Over & Stopping for Emergency Vehicles n NJ state law requires all motorists to yield to emergency vehicles sounding sirens or flashing light n Do not park within 200 feet of a fire department vehicle in service. n Never drive over a fire hose unless told to do so by officials.

Using Lights NJ law requires all motorists to turn a vehicle’s headlights on whenever windshield wipers are in use. n Headlights must also be used between ½ hour after sunset and ½ hour before sunrise. n Other types of beams: n Overhead lights- inside a vehicle should be used briefly.

Parking Regulations n Except to avoid an accident or directed by an officer do not park : n On a crosswalk n Between a safety zone for pedestrians n Near property marked street construction n In a handicapped marked spot n On a highway n In a bus stop zone n In front of private or public property n Within an intersection

n Within 10 ft. of a fire hydrant n Within 25 ft. of a crosswalk n Within 50 ft. of a railroad crossing n Within 50 ft. of a stop sign n Within 75 ft. on the street opposite of a fire station n On any bridge n Next to another vehicle parked at the curb (double parking) n In any area where parking is prohibited

Helmets & Cellular Phones n Bicycle riders, skateboarders etc. under 17 must wear a helmet. n Effective March 1, 2008 in NJ using a handheld cellular telephone or texting device is a primary offense. n Hands-free cell phones are usable. **Cell Phone Video

Littering n Fines of up to $1, 000 can be issued.