3. DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY
A motorist should put on the turn signal at least _______ feet before turning and be sure to cancel the signal after making a turn. Not doing so could mislead other motorists.
100 feet
Horn:
A horn should not be overused, but a motorist should check it often to make sure it works. Use the horn to signal when passing, when coming out of a blind alley, curve or driveway, or to warn another motorist of a potentially dangerous situation.
Parallel Parking:
A motorist must be able to parallel park in a vehicle in order the MVC's road test. Flags or markers 25 feet apart may be used to show where the other vehicles would be. If a motorist hits the flags or markers, they are not ready for parking between real vehicles and should keep practicing.
Driving Signals:
A motorist should always give a proper signal when turning, changing lanes, stopping or slow down.
Brakes:
A motorist should be able to brake smoothly and quickly. If the vehicle pulls to one side when it stops or a motorist feels a taut pedal or hears an unusual squealing or grinding, the brakes must be checked.
Turn Signals:
A motorist should be able to hear the clicking and see the lighted arrows of turn signals flash on the dashboard. If the turn signals do not work, they must be fixed as soon as possible. A motorist should use hand signals until the turn signals are repaired
Steering: Hand position
A motorist should grip the steering wheel by the outside rim at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions, keeping their thumb along the face of the wheel
Air Bags:
Air bags are standard equipment in almost all new vehicles and are designed to supplement seat belts in frontal crashes. Air bags inflate at speeds of up to 200 mph to protect adult in a front-end crash. An average-sized adult who is correctly belted is not likely too come in contact with the air bag until it is fully inflated.
Tail Lights:
Always keep tail and side lights in working order. They signal other motorists in the dark and prevent crashes
With an ABS, a motorist should not pump the brakes or violently jerk the wheel.
An ABS-equipped vehicle may go lose control at only 35 mph if a motorist violently jerks the steering wheel and brakes, even on dry pavement. New motorist should practice hard braking and steering in an empty parking lot or similar open space until they are accustomed to the ABS.
Angle Parking:
Angle parking is often used in parking lots of shopping centers and sometimes at curbs. A motorist should follow these rules when entering an angle parking space to their right: • watch for traffic both ahead and behind • Signal and begin to slow down • Make sure the rear of the vehicle will clear the parked vehicles • Steer sharply into the parking space, and then straighten the wheels centering the vehicle in the parking space • Shift to park, or reverse if standard transmission, and apply the parking brake A motorist should follow these rules before backing out of an angle parking space: • Walk around to make sure nothing is in the vehicle's way • Slowly move the vehicle in reverse and be sure that the lane is clear of traffic • Tap the horn to warn nearby pedestrians • When able to see past the tops of the vehicles parked next to the vehicle, stop and look again • Look back and to each side for other motorists • Remember that the front of the vehicle will swing opposite of the direction of the turn • Back up slowly while turning until the vehicle's left front wheel passes the rear bumper of the vehicle parked on the left • Straighten the wheels as the vehicles come back into the lane of traffic.
ABS
Anti-lock Braking System
Driving in Reverse:
Before driving in reverse,, a motorist must be sure that the path is clear. In reverse, turning the wheel to the right will direct the vehicle to the right. Steering to the left will direct the vehicle to the left. Not turn wheel in reverse, the vehicle will move straight backward. Motorist should not turn forward until the vehicle is totally stopped.
Starting a Parked Car:
Before getting into a vehicle, look both behind it and in front of it. There are blind spots once a motorist is behind the wheel. Children may be there. There also may be bottles, cans, bicycles, or other things that cannot be seen from the driver's seat.
Headlights:
Bright and dim lights must work and be properly aligned. Lights should be kept clean. If other motorist flash their lights while another motorist's lights are on low beam, it could be that the lights are out of line.
If there are no rear seats in the motor vehicle in which the children under age 8 are riding, the children must be secured in a federally approved child passenger restraint system or booster seat in a front seat of the motor vehicle. However,
Children cannot be secured in a rear facing child passenger restraint system in a front seat of any motor vehicle that is equipped with a passenger-side airbag that is not disabled or turned off. Failure to comply with this law can subject a person to a fine of $50 - $75, plus fees and court costs.
Windshield:
Cracks or chips in a windshield could cause the windshield to break, causing a dangerous condition. Broken windshields should be repaired, or, if appropriate, replaced. A windshield should be clean at all times, inside and out.
Brake Lights:
If a vehicle's brake lights are not working, someone may crash into the vehicle from the back. A motorist should have someone help to check the brake lights. Replace broken light covers; they may cause glare that affects the motorist in back.
Parellel Parking:
It is the most common type of parking on city streets.
Car Condition:
It is the responsibility of all vehicle owners to ensure that their vehicles are in proper working condition. Always check your vehicles before driving and prevent problems with regular maintenance and care.
When moving through a turn, the hands may move as much as 165 degrees:
Motorist initiates the turn by pushing the wheel up from the 9 or 3 o'clock position toward 12 o'clock, and the opposite hand crosses over and down to the 9 or 3 o'clock position. Then returns to the original start position of 9 or 3 o'clock.
Horn: Warning signal
Motorists may sound the horn when passing another vehicle when not in a business or residential zone. It should be able to be heard for at least 200 feet.
Idling your vehicle:
NJ law requires all motorist to restrict vehicle idling to 3 mins or less. More than this is harmful. Fines of $250 - $1,000 for each violation of the law.
A motorist should ________ turn the wheel while gripping it from the inside of the rim, hand facing inward
Never
Steering:
On straight level roads, a vehicle should hold a straight course. The front end should not vibrate (shimmy). The steering should respond to a motorist's turns without too much play in the steering wheel.
Child Passenger Safety Law:
The NJCPSL states: • Children under age 8 who are less than 57 inches (4ft, 9 inches) tall must ride in either: a. a federally approved forward-facing child passenger restraint system that is equipped with a 5-point harness in a rear seat of the motor vehicle (once outgrow height/weight; ride federally approved booster) b. a federally approved booster seat • children under age 4 who weigh less than 40 pounds must ride: a. federally approved rear-facing child passenger restraint system that is equipped w. a 5-point harness in a rear seat of the motor vehicle (outgrow: federally approved forward-facing seat w. a 5-point harness) OR b. federally approved forward-facing child passenger restraint system that is equipped w. 5-point harness in a rear seat of the motor vehicle • Children under age 2 and those who weigh less than 30 pounds must ride in a federally approved rear-facing child passenger restraint system that is equipped w. a 5-point harness.
Stopping Distances:
There is no simple way to tell exactly how long it will take a vehicle to stop at a certain speed. Stopping distance depends on: • Motorist reaction time • Weather and visibility conditions • Vehicle weight • Brake conditions • Condition and type of tires • Roadway conditions • Speed
Turning:
To make safe turns, a motorist should decide well in advance, where they want to turn. Last-minute turns can be unsafe. The faster the traffic is moving, the sooner a motorist should plan their turn. If a turn is missed, a motorist should never back up.
Car Seats
Traffic crashes are a leading killer of children. When riding in a vehicle, children should be held in place by a restraint system that meets all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. All built since 1/1/81, must be designed to pass tough safety tests. They carry a label that gives the date of manufacture and reads, "This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards."
Buck up-NJ's Seat Belt Law:
Under state law, the driver and all passengers of a passenger vehicle must wear a seatbelt. The failure of seat belts is a primary offense. The driver is responsible for all passengers under age 18. Under a secondary law, all unbuckled back seat occupants 18 years of age and older may be issued a summons if the vehicle is stopped for another reason. Seat belts can save a life and improve a motorist's chances of surviving a crash by 60%. A motorist's chances of surviving a crash are 3 to 4 better if they are wearing both a seat belt and a shoulder strap.
The 3-Point Turn (K-Turn):
When turning a vehicle around, a motorist should start from the right edge of the road. • If there is no other traffic, the motorist should signal left and move forward slowly while turning the steering wheel to the left. • The vehicle should be stopped several inches from the left curb or street edge. • The motorist should then back up slowly while turning the steering wheel to the right, stopping several inches from the right curb or street edge. • The motorist should next move the vehicle forward while turning the steering wheel to the left. • Finally, the motorist should straighten the vehicle's wheels as it faces in the direction they want to go.
If a vehicle has an anti-lock braking system, the brakes can be tested by:
applying steady pressure to the brake pedal. A motorist should never pump an ABS or jerk the steering wheel when braking.
An infant seat must never be ___________.
faced forward
Hand Signal: Stop or slowing down:
hand and arm downward, palm facing to the rear
Hand Signal: Left turn
hand and arm straight out
Hand Signal: Right turn
hand and arm upward
Carbon monoxide (CO):
is an odorless, colorless gas that is present in a vehicle's exhaust. Modern vehicles are equipped with pollution controls that greatly reduce the amount of CO that is emitted from the tailpipe. However, certain conditions can cause dangerous levels of CO to accumulate in or around a vehicle, with potentially fatal results.
The 3-Point Turn (K-Turn)
middle lane: car on the left should be straighter
Hand-over-hand steering:
permits a motorist to make steering adjustments ranging from very minor up to a half turn of the wheel, while keeping both hands on the wheel. It is particularly well suited for precision maneuvers, steering through curves, intersection entry and exit, and skid recovery
What should you do for conventional disc and drum brakes after driving through water?
pump them gently after driving through water to test them and dry them out.If the brakes are hit hard, they could lock up.
The Rosa-Bonilla Family Act:
requires the Motor Vehicle Commission to educate motorist about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from motor vehicles and techniques for the safe operation and proper maintenance of a motor vehicle. These conditions include: • Operating a vehicle with an exhaust leak or poorly tuned engine • Operating a vehicle with the trunk or rear tailgate open • Operating a vehicle with holes in the body of the vehicle • Idling a vehicle in a garage or confined space, even with the outside garage door open • Operating a vehicle with a tailpipe that is blocked by debris, including snow, leaves or water
On a two-lane road with traffic coming toward the vehicle, the motorist should keep to the:
right
To drive in reverse, a motorist's head and body should be turned to the _________ until they can see clearly through the back window of the vehicle without the use of mirrors:
right
Driving in Reverse: The motorist's right hand and arm should be placed over the back of the front passenger seat;
the left hand should grasp the top of the steering wheel. This is the position a motorist should be in to reverse in a straight line. Vehicle should be driven slowly in reverse (walking speed 2-4 mph)
The faster a vehicle is going:
the longer it will take it to stop.
A motorist can tell if their vehicle has an air bag by:
the words "air bag" or the letter "SRS" (supplemental restraint system) or "SIR" (supplemental inflatable restraint) on the steering wheel and dashboard panel. Manufactures also may mark the sun visors or the sides of the open door frame with warning labels or enter a warning in the vehicle owner's manual.
Driving in Reverse: If a motorist must turn the wheel while reversing other than in a straight line (e.g. parallel parking), two hands must be on the wheel to steer, while a motorist's head and body is:
turned to look out the rear window.
A motorist should have an eye checkup every __________.
two years.
Both hands should be kept on the wheel at all times, except:
when shifting gears or giving hand signals
Proper Braking:
• A motorist should know the type of braking system that his vehicle uses. It could be a conventional drum and disc brake system or an anti0lock braking system (ABS). Whether the vehicle is front or rear-wheel drive does not determine proper braking.
Starting a Parked Car - Checklist:
• All windows should be clean and nothing should block a motorist's vision • The seat must be adjusted so a motorist can reach all pedals and controls easily (for most; sitting an arm's length from the steering wheel) • Inside and outside rearview mirrors should be adjusted • Seat belts and shoulder harnesses should be fastened • Vehicle should be in park or neutral gear and the parking brake should be set • Doors should be locked He/she should not have to strain to reach the gearshift levels, turn signals or dashboard controls. A motorist is properly positioned when they see clearly and can glance to the rear. When on the road, a motorist can check the vehicle's mirrors by letting a vehicle pass on the left. As the passing vehicle disappears from the inside rearview mirror, a motorist should be able to see its front bumper in the outside rearview mirror.
Tips for Seat Belt Safety:
• Buckle up with both lap and shoulder belts on every tip. (Air bags are supplemental protection for drivers). • Wear the lap belt under the abdomen and low across the hips. The shoulder portion should come over the collar bone, away from the neck, and cross over the breast bone. The shoulder belt in most new vehicles can be adjusted on the side pillar to improve fit • Know how to adjust the seat belts and how to release them if motorists/passengers have to quickly get out of the vehicle • Buckle up if riding in the backseat; use center seat belts if those seats are used. Seat belts help prevent riders from falling forward • Never put more than 1 person in one belt
To properly parallel park, a motorist should:
• Find a parking space that is large enough to fit the vehicle • Signal for a stop and signal to the right to alert motorist that the vehicle will back up to the right • Pull up alongside (parallel) about 2-4 ft from the vehicle in front • Turn and check to see that the way is clear behind the vehicle before backing up • Turn their body to look out the rear window of the vehicle. Begin backing up slowly for about 2 feet and turn the steering wheel all the way to the right • When the front of the vehicle has cleared the rear bumper of the vehicle in front, stop and check the angle. • Make sure the right back wheel has not hit the curb • Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left while beginning to back up slowly • Make sure the vehicle can clear its back bumper • When the vehicle is in line, stop. Be sure not to hit the vehicle in back. • Turn the vehicle's wheels straight, and drive to the center of the parking space. The vehicle's tires should be no more than 6 inches from the curb. short version; on right traffic to wheel to right ; straight, then left
CO poisoning symptoms:
• Headache • Dizziness • Loss of consciousness • Nausea/vomiting • Chest pain • Confusion If you are in a vehicle, turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and try to get the victim to breathe fresh air while you wait for help
Tires:
• If a motorist feels or hears any unusual thumping while driving, they should check the tires. Bumps, cuts or bad tread can cause blowouts. Tire pressure should be checked often, especially when tires are cold. A motorist should check the owner's manual or the door jamb of the driver's door to determine proper tire pressure or should ask for advice at a service station. • A vehicle should not be driven with tires that have less than 1/16 inch of tread (about the edge of a penny). • Tires must match and must have enough tread
Snow and Ice:
• State law requires a motorist to remove snow and/or ice from a vehicle before driving it. If snow or ice dislodges from a moving vehicle, it could strike another vehicle or pedestrian, causing injury or property damage. • Any person who violates this law is subject to fines of $25-$75, regardless of whether any snow or ice is dislodged from the vehicle. • If dislodged snow or ice causes injury or property damage, fines up to $1,500 may be assessed.
Seat belts help in many ways, for example:
• They keep motorists and passengers from being thrown from the vehicle in a crash. If a motorist/passenger is held in place, any injury may be less severe • They slow a body down with the vehicle. If a vehicle hits something, the vehicle stops, but the person keeps going at the same speed that the vehicle was moving (hitting the dashboard or windshield at 30 mph is like falling from the top of a 3 story building). • They keep a motorist/passenger from sliding on the seat during sudden stops and turns. Belts and straps also keep a motorist in position so they can control the vehicle
Before turning, a motorist should always:
• Use the mirrors to look behind and to both sides for other vehicles (or people) to see if it is safe to turn. • Check for less visible vehicles, such as motorcycles, bicycle, and mopeds • Signal first and then move into proper lane • Slow down before reaching an intersection • Keep a steady speed and follow pavement markings • Always stay in the same lane until the turn is finished • Make sure the turn signal is turned off after the turn is completed
Backup Lights:
• When driving in reverse, backup light should be on. These must be checked to make sure they are in working order. • It is against the law to have any backup lights on while a vehicle is moving forward