Chapter 8 Sharing the Road with Others

PedestriansSince 2008, approximately 150 pedestrians

have been killed annually in traffic related crashes on New Jersey roadways.

In 2009, after a three-year downward trend, the number of pedestrian deaths statewide increased to 157.

• Vehicle-pedestrian collisions have a five percent fatality rate if the car is going 20 mph, but the rate jumps to 85 percent at 40 mph.

Trucks, Tractor-Trailers, and BusesUse caution when driving alongside trucks. 1. knows the limitations of these vehicles

regarding visibility, required stopping distance and maneuverability.

2.passing a large truck or bus, it is important to remember that there are several no-zones (blind spots) in which the motorist cannot see other vehicles.

3.during bad weather, a truck can take as much as 25 percent longer to stop.

The no-zone principle• Avoid the area around trucks where vehicles

disappear into blind spots. • Do not move so close to a truck that the truck

driver’s ability to stop or maneuver effectively is restricted.

• Potential for a collision is increased when a motorist is riding in the no-zone.

• motorist of a large truck or bus cannot see another motorist’s vehicle in the rearview or side-view mirrors, the vehicle is in a no-zone, or blind spot.

No-Zone Principle

• THE BLACK AREAS ARE “NO-ZONES.”• IF YOU ARE IN ONE OF THESE AREAS,• THE DRIVER OF THE TRUCK CAN’T SEE YOU.

Rear-zoneA motorist should increase following distance behind

a truck or other large vehicle • driver can spot a motorist’s vehicle in the rearview mirrors. • Never tailgate or remain sandwiched between trucks.• maintain a sizable space cushion between his/her vehicle and

larger vehicles.

Leave space when stopping at a light or sign behind a truck or bus, especially when facing uphill. The larger vehicle may roll backward slightly when starting.

Give more road space to a truck driver who is making

a wide turn. • drivers may have to slow, back up or swing wide to negotiate

a turn.• cannot see smaller vehicles directly behind or beside them.

Side no-zone

• Drive away from the long blind spots on the sides of trucks.

• If the motorist must quickly change lanes or make an emergency maneuver, a vehicle in this area will be in the way.

• Do not linger alongside a truck when passing.

Yielding to School and Commercial Buses

• State law requires all non-emergency vehicles to yield the right-of-way to buses re-entering traffic after dropping off or picking up bus passengers.

• Motorists are not required to yield the right-of-way to buses changing lanes. Bus operators are required to drive in a safe and responsible manner.

• The yield law was enacted to improve safety on the state’s roadways.

• Violations: $50 or more than $200, up to 15 days in jail or both a fine and a jail term

Vehicle Information

Vehicle Title and Registration • A new or used vehicle must title, register, and

insure it before driving it on public roads• If a motorist moves into this state requires the

vehicle to be titled and registered within 60 days; sooner, if the out-of-state registration expires before then

• Initial registration for a brand-new vehicle will be valid for 4 years.

• All other registrations are typically valid for one year

Motorists will receive two matching license plates upon registering a vehicle. 1 in the front and 1 in the back. – Both plates must be clean and visible. The rear plate must be

lighted so it is visible from 50 feet at night

Using license plate covers or holders that obscure or conceal any lettering on the license plate is a violation, with a fine of up to $100

Report lost or stolen plates to local police. Retain a copy of the complaint.

License Plates

Vehicle Inspection• All gasoline-fueled vehicles registered in New Jersey

must pass state safety and emissions inspections every two years– New vehicles must pass their first MVC inspection

four years after they are initially registered

What you will need to bring when you a validated1.Driver License 2.Registration 3. Insurance documents

Insurance Every vehicle registered in New Jersey must

have liability insurance.• A New Jersey Insurance Identification Card will be

provided for each vehicle insured under a policy.

• Card must remain in the vehicle with the driver. It must be shown – prior to inspection, when involved – in an accident and when – stopped by law enforcement for a traffic violation or

roadside spot check.

• Driving with an uninsured vehicle can result in fines, community service, license and registration suspension and insurance surcharges.

License Renewal A valid license must be carried at all times when

driving. It is important to remember to renew the license every 4 years before it expires. – It is the responsibility of the motorist to

renew his/her license. – Renewal notices are sent to motorists up to

90 days prior to the expiration date.

Permit, Non-Driver ID and License Update

• If a motorist moves within New Jersey or out must report address change within one week

• If a motorist changes his/her name legally (through a divorce, marriage, adoption or by legal name change) the name change must be reported to the MVC within two weeks