CHAPTER 8-SHARING THE ROAD WITH

OTHERS

Driver’s Education

Mr. Vazquez

PEOPLE:PEDESTRIANS IN ACCIDENTS

PEDESTRIANS INVOLVED IN FATAL ACCIDENTS ON NJ ROADWAYS

2011-143

2010-141

2009-157

PEDESTRAINS

If a car is traveling at 20 mph the fatality rate is 50%

At 40 mph it’s a 85% fatality rate

Must be aware for pedestrians in school zones, neighborhoods, business centers, etc.

CROSSWALKS

In almost all cases pedestrians have the right of way

There is a crosswalk at every intersection; even if not painted-”unmarked crosswalk”

Pedestrians must obey signals and use crosswalks at signalized intersections.

Pedestrians can be fined $54 and if under 17 they fine is $22

VEHICLES & PEDESTRIANS

Motorists are prohibited from blocking a crosswalk at a red light or stop sign

Cannot have a portion of the car blocking the crosswalk

A motorist must stop and stay stopped for a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalks at an intersection

Only time you do not have to stop is when traffic is being regulated by an officer, traffic signals, and where there is pedestrian tunnels near or overhead

No pedestrians may leave the curb suddenly and enter the lane of oncoming traffic-$200 fine and up to 15 days of community service

VEHICLES & PEDESTRIANS CON.

If a pedestrian suffers serious bodily injury as a result of a violation the motorist will receive a $100-$500 fine, up to 25 days in jail and/or 6 months of license suspension

Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk, especially on a multi-lane road

On a multi-lane road stop at least 30 feet away from a crosswalk

Motorists should be extra aware of signs that indicate hazard areas such as school zones, bus stops, playgrounds, parks, and schools

Drive more cautiously on roadways with on-street parking

Pedestrians and Joggers should always face oncoming traffic and use sidewalks when available

Right on Red be extra cautious

Be alert when making any turns, exiting driveways, parking lots, and alleys

VISUALLY CHALLENGED PERSONS

Vehicles must give right-of-way when any of the following crosses any highway or intersection:

Blind Persons who use a predominantly white or metallic cane

Blind Persons accompanied by a guide dog

Guide Dog Instructor engaged in instructing a guide dog

Motorists must stop when encountering any of the above

MOTORCYCLES

Motorcycles must follow same laws as normal motorists

Be aware of slippery, sloped, or uneven surfaces or grooves and gratings in the roadway

Check blind spots twice before changing or making turns

Watch for motorcycles at intersection and making left turns

Always Signal

Anticipate any maneuvers made by a motorcycle

Always leave plenty of room

Never tailgate due to brake distance of motorcycle

TRUCKS, TRACTOR-TRAILERS, & BUSES

Drive alongside cautiously

Visibility, stopping distances, and maneuverability

Several no-zones (blind spots)

Bad weather 25% longer to stop

THE NO-ZONE PRINCIPLE

Avoid areas when driver cannot see smaller vehicles

Do not be so close in front that you affect the driver’s ability to stop and maneuver

Potential for a collision is increased when in a no-zone

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NO-ZONE

Stay far behind a truck that is preparing to back up or is backing up. Trailers backing up hide all objects between trailer and loading dock.

Increase distance so that truck driver can see motorist through rear-view mirror

Not tailgating also allows for sufficient reaction time

Leave space between when stopped at a red light or stop sign, especially uphill

Give more space to a truck driver that is making a turn, especially a wide one

NO-ZONE CON.

Front Zone- Maintain consistent speed when passing. Do not pull in front of the truck until entire front of the trunk can be seen in rearview mirror. Always signal turns and DO NOT pass on right.

Side No-Zone-Drive Away from the long blind spots on the side. Do linger alongside

Head-on no-zone- A motorist should bear right when a large vehicle is traveling towards them in the opposite direction. Reduces any wind turbulence and prevents a sideswipe.

YIELDING TO SCHOOL & COMMERCIAL BUSES

State-Law requires all non-emergency vehicles to yield the right-of-way to buses reentering traffic after dropping off or picking up passengers

No longer must yield once in traffic

Violation will carry a fine of $50-$200, up to 15 days in jail or both

MOPEDS

Are low speed vehicles (LSV) are intended for limited use on public roadways

May not exceed 25 mph

Must follow all traffic signs and signals and drive on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic

BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS, & INLINE SKATES

Always leave plenty of room when passing

All three under NJ law have the same rights and responsibilities as a moving motor vehicle

Bicycles ridden after dark must have front/rear lights as well as a rear reflector

Be aware when turning right-Must yield to in an intersection

To turn left the 3 modes may use a motor vehicle turn lane

MOTORIZED SCOOTERS A motorized scooter is a miniature motor vehicle

Illegal to be driven on any public road or sidewalk-except where designated on any municipal or county designated areas

Motorized Scooter must be registered in the municipality or county where the owner resides and must be insured.

No one under the age of 12 is allowed to operate

Examples are: The Following are not considered:

Pocket Bikes Electronic Personal Mobility-Assisting Device

Scooters Motorized Bicycles or LSV

Mini-Scooters Motorized Wheelchairs

Sport Scooters Device used to assist physical disabled person

Mini-Choppers

Mini-Motorcycles

Motorized Skateboards

INDIVIDUALS WITH A MOBILITY-RELATED

DISABILITY State law allows individuals with a mobility-assisted disability to operate certain motorized scooters on public streets, with a posted speed limit in excess of 25 mph but not more than 35 mph.

Local government must determine that the scooter does not pose a danger to safety and flow of traffic.

Scooter may not have a max speed of more than 15 mph

LOW SPEED VEHICLES (LSV)

A LSV is a four wheeled vehicle with an attainable speed of more than 20 mph, but no more than 25 mph on a paved surface.

It cannot be powered by gas or diesel fuel and must comply with federal safety standards

TRAINS

Never cross tracks that have active lights and gates

Circular RR sign signifies crossing ahead

Never race to cross-slow down

If unsure about crossing (possibility of getting stuck) do not proceed

Train will be 3 feet wider than the track

If vehicles stalls out, get out immediately and vacate to a safe distance

Trains cannot stop quickly-55 mph=1 Mile

Pedestrians should only cross at designated crossings

SNOWMOBILES, ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES, & DIRT

BIKES Snowmobiles, ATV’s, and Dirt Bikes must be legally registered

Illegal to ride on public roadways with other vehicles, however they are permitted to cross certain roadways when safety permits

Operators must maintain a proof of insurance and display the vehicles registration at all times

ANIMALS

Very often dart out into oncoming traffic

Try not to swerve if possible

Try to see both sides of the roads and be ready for the unexpected

HORSEBACK RIDERS

Horse-drawn vehicles & Horseback riders have the same rights and responsibilities as do motor vehicles when using public roadways

Motorists should approach and pass at a speed of no more than 25 mph

Motorists should honor all signals made by rider

Horseback riders and drawn-vehicles must stay all the way to the right & are not allowed on major highways

Must ride with traffic

A light must be displayed on the back of the horse drawn vehicle when:

30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise

If visibility is 500 feet or less

When encountering fog, mist, smoke, or other factors that reduce visibility