Construction Zones/Work Zones (N.J.S.A. 39:4-203.5)
Most motorists will encounter construction on roadways. In New Jersey, traffic fines are doubled for motor vehicle violations committed in the area of roadway construction zones. These work zones are identified by an advance warning sign or flashing lights on a vehicle up to one-half mile before the work area. Flaggers may control traffic and protect project personnel in the work area. Sometimes it is necessary to redirect traffic from its normal path around the work zone. Motorists may encounter a detour onto another roadway to bypass the work area or a diversion onto a temporary roadway, such as a median crossover or a lane shift. If traffic is permitted through or adjacent to the work area, it will be guided with temporary traffic control devices. At the end of the work area, there will be an End Road Work sign or the last temporary traffic control device, so motorists can resume normal driving. For illustrations of signs and barricades used in construction zones, see the Driver Safety Section at the end of this manual.
It is extremely important for motorists to remain alert when traveling through a work zone. Annually, there are nearly 800 fatal and over 37,000 serious injury crashes in work zones. In addition, congestion and delays may mount, causing the frustration level of motorists to rise. Motorists should keep the following basics in mind:
* Stay alert: Dedicate full attention to the roadway.
* Pay close attention: Signs and work zone flaggers save lives.
* Turn on headlights: Workers and other motorists must be able to see the vehicle.
* Dont tailgate: Unexpected stops or slowing may occur.
* Dont speed: Note the posted speed limits in and around the work zone.
* Minimize distractions: Avoid changing radio stations or talking on hands-free devices when traveling through a work zone.
* Expect the unexpected: Keep an eye out for workers and their equipment.
* Be patient: Remember that work-zone crew members are working to improve the ride for all motorists.
Reacting to driving problems
A motorist should always be prepared for any problems that he/she may encounter while driving. Certain situations require the motorist to react immediately in order to avoid an accident.
Ignition System
Todays vehicles are equipped with ignition systems that, when used properly, will prevent the theft of an automobile and vehicle rollaway. An ignition system permits key removal only when the vehicles transmission is in the Park position. Motorists in an emergency situation on the highway may attempt to turn off the vehicle while it is still in motion, believing they will bring the vehicle to a stop. The basic rule the motorist must follow when operating a vehicle with a steering wheel ignition system is to never turn the ignition to the lock position while the vehicle is in motion. The steering will lock as the vehicle turns, and the motorist will lose control of the vehicle.
Skids
Sudden turns, lane changes or hard braking can throw a vehicle into a skid. This often happens on wet or icy roads. A motorist should handle a skid in both front-wheel and rear-wheel drive vehicles in the same way. If the rear end 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. When skidding, a motorist should look in the direction that he/she wants to go. A motorist will be able to feel when the vehicle is back under control and should then straighten the wheels. During a side skid, avoid using the brakes.
Emergency Stops
If an emergency highway stop is necessary, a motorist should always keep several basic points in mind. On a highway with paved shoulders, signal and turn onto the shoulder at or near traffic speed. Then begin to slow down. Where the shoulder is unpaved, signal a turn and slow down to a safe speed before turning off. Once the vehicle is pulled to the shoulder, turn on the parking lights or emergency warning lights.
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 (about 120 paces). Raise the hood. Tie a white handkerchief to the antenna or left door handle as a signal, if help is needed.
Running Off The Pavement
If a vehicles 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. Too often motorists panic and steer abruptly to return to the road, causing the vehicle to slingshot across the roadway or into traffic. Instead, 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 by turning the steering wheel one-quarter turn toward the roadway. This will allow tires to climb the pavement edge and get back onto the pavement.
If a vehicle runs off the pavement:
* Slow down.
* Regain control.
* Turn slowly onto the road.
Car Fires
Most car fires are caused by short circuits in the electrical system. In case of fire, do not waste time. Get passengers out and away from the vehicle at once, and call for help. A motorist should never attempt to put out a fire.
Plunging Into Water
Water causes more panic than any other emergency. Actual tests have resulted in a few tips. A vehicle with windows and doors closed will float for about three to ten minutes. Two major points in escape and self-rescue from a submerged vehicle are to wear a seat belt, which will increase the chances of surviving the initial impact of the water, and, while the vehicle is still floating on the surface, to escape through an open window. It is hard to open a door against water pressure, but a window can be rolled down easily. Power windows may short out, so try to open them at once. Glass in the side and rear windows can be broken but only with a heavy, hard object.
A front-engine vehicle will sink nose first. Some air may be pushed to the rear, near the roof. When the pressure inside and outside the vehicle is equal, it is easier to open a door. A motorist should try to escape through a door or window. Remember that three to five minutes gives plenty of time in an emergency. Wearing a seat belt is the best insurance against being knocked unconscious. Once out of the vehicle, a motorist may become disoriented underwater. Always remember to follow the air bubbles to reach the surface.
Stalling On Railroad Tracks
If the vehicle has a standard shift, the motorist should try to move it by running the starter in low or second gear. With an automatic shift, the motorist will have to push the vehicle off the tracks. If the vehicle cannot be moved off the tracks, and a train is coming, the motorist should move as far away from the tracks as possible and call for help.
Vehicle Failure
No matter how well a vehicle is maintained, there is still a chance a motorist will experience vehicle problems. A motorist should always be prepared for any type of situation and never panic.
Brake Failure
If a vehicles conventional disc and drum brakes suddenly fail, a motorist should shift to a lower gear and pump the brake pedal fast and hard several times. This may build up enough brake pressure to stop the vehicle. If that does not work, the parking brake should be used while holding the brake release, so the motorist can let up if the rear wheels lock and the vehicle begins to skid. With the vehicle in low gear, the motorist should begin looking for a safe place to stop off the roadway and call for help.