The New Jersey Driver Manual

1. Chapter 5 Defensive Driving The New Jersey Driver Manual

2. Standard Collision Prevention Formula: • Be Alert • Be Prepared • Act in Time Aggressive Driving/Road Rage: a progression of unlawful driving actions Page 82

3. Distractions • Lighting a cigarette • Trying to fasten a safety belt while driving • Reaching across the seat to close a door or look in the glove compartment • Reaching for coins in pockets while driving up to a toll booth • Trying to wind or adjust a wristwatch • Watching children or pets in the vehicle • Trying to remove a coat • Reading maps and newspapers • Eating while driving • Adjusting a mirror while driving • Using a cellular phone • Adjusting the radio or CD player • Shaving • Using a laptop computer or fax machine • Applying makeup Page 83

4. Tired Driver/Highway Hypnosis • A tired driver is a dangerous driver • Can be as dangerous as a drunk driver • Maggie’s Law- makes it illegal to knowingly drive a vehicle while impaired by lack of sleep. • Reckless driving under vehicular homicide • “Highway Hypnosis” • Solution: Rest every 2 hours, switch drivers Page 83

5. Communicating and Driving • The best way to “talk” to other drivers is to use your horn and lights • Stay in the lane that shows where he/she intends to turn • Catching other motorists’ eyes • At night, headlights from low to high and back to low Page 84

6. Keeping a Safe Distance • “Space Cushion”- keeping a safe distance from other vehicles that allows for reaction time in case of emergencies • Tailgating- following too closely behind the vehicle in front • One Car Length- keep 1 car length (20ft) back for each 10mph of speed Page 85

7. To maintain a proper distance when driving, you should stay at least 3 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you *Three-second rule

8. Three-Seconds-Plus Rule • Choose some fixed object ahead of the vehicle in front (sign or a tree). • As the vehicle in front passes the object, begin counting seconds (one thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three). • If it takes at least three seconds before the vehicle passes the object, a motorist should have enough distance for a sudden stop. • Stopping Distance = Perception Distance + Reaction Distance + Braking Distance. • Keeping a foot near the brake • Time and distance relationships are designed for the best driving conditions. *Heavier vehicles may take longer to stop *Increase 3-4 seconds for bad weather Page 86

10. Following Distances Minimum Safe Following Distance (in car lengths) Page 86

11. Passed By Another Vehicle • If a vehicle is passing you, you should slow down to make it easier for the driver to complete the pass in time. • Return to normal speed after the passing vehicle is well ahead Page 87

12. Road Conditions • Wet Roads- most slippery during the first few minutes of rainfall • Hydroplaning- when tires ride up on a film of water • Chances increase as speed increases • To Avoid: • Do NOT drive on bald tires • Slow down during heavy rain, standing water, or slush is present Page 88

13. Driving Situations Snow • Motorists may use studded snow tires between November 15 and April 1. Night Driving • When driving at night, be sure that you can stop within the distance you can see ahead Page 92

14. Driving Situations Construction Zones City Driving- • Drive more slowly • Watch for pedestrians • Motorists should look at least 12 seconds ahead

15. Reacting to Driving Problems • If your car breaks down on any road, the first thing you should do is try to pull off the road • After driving through a deep puddle you should immediately test your brakes.

16. Reacting to Driving Problems • Skids: • Take foot off gas pedal • Turn in the direction the rear of the vehicle is skidding • Emergency Stops: • Signal and turn onto shoulder • Warning lights • Flare (300ft) • White handkerchief • Running off the Pavement: • Slow down and turn back onto the pavement slowly • Regain Control Page 96

17. Vehicle Failure • Brake Failure: • Neutral • Hazards • E-brake • Tire Blowout: • Slow down gradually • Holding wheel firmly • Pull to safe area http://www.ugotbrains.com/bianj-whatyoudont.htm • Windshield Wiper Failure • Roll down driver side window • Slow down • Pull to safe area Page 97

18. Collisions • If a motorist sees that his/her vehicle may hit something, one of three things can be done: stop, turn or speed up. • If a collision is impossible to avoid, you can lessen the impact by: • Steering toward objects that ‘give’ Page 99

19. What to do in Case of a Collision • Stop the vehicle. • Remain calm. • Assume the worst and get help (notify the police; call an ambulance). • Wait at the scene, but try not to block traffic. • Ask for assistance from passing motorists, bikers or joggers, if needed. • Depending on the location of the accident – local road, highway or in a busy city intersection–warn oncoming traffic. Page 100

20. Reporting Accidents New Jersey law requires motorists to notify the police of accidents where there is injury, death, or vehicle or property damage. If someone has been killed, do not move the body or permit anyone to move the body until the police or ambulance arrives. Page 100