Sharing the Road with Others

Chapter 8

Pedestrians…Since 2004, over 30,000 pedestrians have been injured on New Jersey roads.

Pedestrians…Have the right of way at intersections and crosswalks

But they must follow signals

Pedestrians…

Should always use a sidewalk to jog or walk

If no sidewalk is available, joggers/walkers should face oncoming traffic

Watch for…

Mature Drivers

Visually Challenged Persons

Watch for Motorcycle riders…Always: -Check blind spots twice for motorcycles -Leave extra distance when following a motorcycle -Use signals

A driver’s failure to see motorcycle riders in traffic is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents

Watch for Trucks…Sharing the road with trucks can be safe if a driver knows the limitations of these vehicles regarding: -Visibility -Stopping Distance -Maneuverability

Visibility…Trucks have several No-Zones (Blind Spots), where the truck driver can not see vehicles

Avoid the “no-zone” areas…if you drive in one of these areas, a truck driver can not see you

Maneuverability…-Leave space when stopped at light behind a truck as they often roll backwards when starting.

-Give space to trucks at intersections as they need to swing wide to make turns

Let’s see how difficult it is for trucks to make turns…

Let’s see how other cars need to be positioned to allow a truck to turn…

Stopping Distance…

-Trucks take longer to stop because they are much heavier than average vehicles

-During bad weather (rain, snow) trucks can take as much as 25% longer to stop

-Keep these facts in mind when passing or stopping in front of a truck

Mopeds…-Low speed, motorized bicycles with pedals-Intended for limited use on public roadways-May not exceed 25mph-Must follow traffic rules/signals and drive on the right side of the road with traffic flow

What does a Moped look like driving on the road???

Wheeled Vehicles…

In-Line Skaters

Bicycle Riders

Skateboarders

What do all these things have in common with a vehicle driver?

They all have the same rights and responsibilities as a moving motor vehicle

Bicycles…

When riding at night: -Must have a front light -Must have a rear light -Must have a rear reflector

Bicycles…-When making right hand turns, drivers must yield to bike riders, in-line skaters and skateboarders making right hand turns

-When turning left, bike riders, skateboarders or in-line skaters may use traffic lanes the same as drivers. Drivers must yield.

Low Speed Vehicles…

Low Speed Vehicles can drive on roads if: -It has 4 wheels and can’t exceed 25mph -Is not powered by gas or diesel fuel -The posted speed limit is 25mph or less -Is equipped with seatbelts -Has working front, rear, brake and turn lights

Snowmobiles and ATV’sDrivers must be aware of All-Terrain Vehicles: -Can not ride on public roadways -Can cross public roadways -Be extra careful during winter months in Northern Regions

Horseback Riders

Horseback riders and Horse-drawn vehicles Have the same rights as motor vehicles onPublic roads in NJ?

TRUE OR FALSE?

TRUE

Horseback Riders

Drivers use caution around horses: -Pass at no more than 25mph -Observe hand signals from horse drivers

Horse-drawn Vehicles Must: -Observe Speed limits and traffic rules -Have a rear light on during:

-30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise-If visibility is 500 ft or less-During fog, mist, smoke

-Have a rear reflector