Chapter 5

Prevent a Collision Be Alert: never think motorist will not make a driving mistake Be Prepared: Learn what to do in any situation when you have to act fast and always expect the unexpected Act in Time: Try not to panic. Know what to do if something suddenly happens

Aggressive Driving/ Road Rage

Road Rage

Aggressive Driving emotions can have a great affect on a motorist’s driving Aggressive driving is defined as a progression of unlawful driving actions such as speeding, improper or excessive lane changing, or improper passing Aggressive drivers fail to consider how their actions may affect other motorists on the road Extreme cases of aggressive driving may lead to road rage

NJ is waging a campaign against road rage To report aggressive motorist call ( 888) saf-road or cell phone #77

Distractions in many cases, collisions are caused by distracted motorists Inattentive motorists often tailgate go too fast, or drift out of their lanes WHAT ARE SOME COMMON DISTRACTIONS WHILE DRIVING????

Tired Driver/ Highway Hypnosis a tired driver is a dangerous driver a tired driver can be a dangerous as a drunk driver Maggie’s Law, which was enacted in 2003 makes it illegal to knowingly drive a vehicle while impaired by lack of sleep This law establishes driving while fatigued as reckless under the vehicular homicide statute

Highway Hypnosis highway hypnosis is a trance like state This may be avoided by not looking at one object for more than a few seconds It is recommended that a motorist rest every two hours and share the driving with another licensed driver

Communicating and Driving Communicate with other motorists by all available means and signals Turn signals ( hand signals) allow a motorists to tell what he/she is going to do At night a quick flip of the headlights from low to high and back to low might be helpful

Tailgating A motorist should always keep a safe distance from other vehicles on the road This give plenty of time to react in an emergency Tailgating refers to following too closely behind a vehicle directly in front of you Tailgating is often the cause of rear end collisions

One Car Length Although there is no perfect rule for following distance, the rule of thumb is one car length for every 10mph At high speeds or bad weather, following distance should be increased

Three Second Rule Since most people having trouble judging distance, the three second rule helps determines a safe following distance

Changing Lanes and Passing ALWAYS SIGNAL LANE CHANGES only change lanes or pass when necessary Keep a safe following distance Check traffic ahead and behind When pavement marking permits Signal every lane change

Wet Roads Drive slowly Three second plus rule should increase Quick turns or changes can cause you to skid ** road surfaces are the most slippery during the first few minutes of a rainfall When driving through a puddle make sure you pump to test and dry your brakes

Hydroplaning Wet roads can cause hydroplaning, or riding on the film of water starting at 35 mph This would cause you to loose control over the vehicle After 55 mph, tires may leave the road surface entirely This makes stopping or turning impossible

Snow and Ice Before driving in cold weather, start the engine and let it warm up all snow and ice must be removed from the entire vehicle Gently apply the brakes when you first begin driving to judge how slipper the roads are A good rule is to keep a 6 second following distance on snow or ice roads

Snow and Ice Snow tires typically do not provide good traction on ice Chains are the best for traction In NJ, motorist may use studded snow tires or chains between November 15 – April 1 When driving on snow and ice keep the engine speed and gear low

Reduced Visibility Head lights should be kept on low in the fog Sun visors should be adjusted and used on sunny days with intense glare

Night Driving nearly 90% of driving decisions are based upon what motorist sees at night] drive with headlights on at dusk, night and dawn Headlights should be on when weather reduces visibility to less than 500 feet

Construction and Work Zones In NJ, traffic fines double for motor violations committed in an area of roadway construction zones At the end of the work area ( designated by signs) motorist can resume normal driving

Ignition System Motorists in an emergency situation on the highway may attempt to turn off the vehicle while it is still in motion believing it will bring the vehicle to a stop The basic rule the motorist must follow when operating a vehicle with steering wheel ignition system is to never turn the ignition to lock position while the vehicle is in motion

Ignition System The steering will lock as the vehicle turns and the motorist will lose control over the vehicle

Skids A motorist should handle a skid in both front wheel and rear wheel drive vehicles the same way If the rear of the vehicle starts to slide, a motorist should take his/her foot off the gas pedal A vehicle may spin if the steering wheel is quickly turned away from the direction of the skid To avoid a spin, the motorist should turn in the direction the rear of the vehicle is skidding without over steering During a skid avoid using brakes

Emergency Stops Never block tail lights at night by standing or working behind the vehicle Day or night, put a flare or other warning sign just behind the vehicle Put another warning device at least 300 feet back

Running off the Pavement If a vehicle’s wheels drift onto the shoulder of the road, do not try to turn back onto the pavement right away this might throw the vehicle off balance A motorist should stay on the shoulder and ease up on the gas pedal After the vehicle has slowed down to 25 mph or less, the motorist may turn back onto the road

Plunging into Water Water causes more panic then any other emergency A vehicle with windows and doors closed will float for about three to ten minutes While the vehicle is still floating escape through the window

Tire Blowout Hold the steering wheel firmly and keep vehicle straight while gradually slowing down Remove your foot from the gas pedal but don’t use the brakes!

Last Minute Choices If a collision looks possible….. Driving off the road, rather than skidding, this gives the motorist more control over the vehicle The motorist should choose to hit something that gives way such as a bush or shrubs rather than something hard choose to hit something moving in the same direction rather than opposite direction

What To Do In Case of a Collision If a motorist witnesses or is involved in a collision he/she should follow these tips: 1. Stop the vehicle 2. Remain calm 3. Assume the worst and get help ( notify the police, call and ambulance) 4. Wait at the scene, but try not to block traffic 5. Ask for assistance from passing motorist if needed

Reporting Accidents NJ law requires motorists to notify the police of accidents where there is injury, death, or vehicle property damage When damage to property is more than $500 or there is personal injury, a motorist must: –Send a written report to the MVC within 10 days if no police report is filed by police. A motorist can get a written copy of the report from police

Reporting Accidents –Notify his/her insurance company at once, giving complete information about the accident –If the motorist is shaken up, he/she should see a doctor as soon as possible