Speed control
Certain speed control guidelines should be used for safe driving. A motorist should start slowly, gradually increasing speed until safely within the legal speed limit and flow of traffic. On open roads, a motorist should keep a steady, legal speed. When necessary, a motorist should decrease speed slowly.
Press the brake pedal lightly. This gives other motorists and pedestrians a chance to react accordingly. To check speed, a motorist should glance at the speedometer. With practice, a motorist will be able to judge the correct gas-pedal pressure for any speed.
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 road conditions
* Vehicle weight
* Brake conditions
* Condition and type of tires
* Roadway conditions
* Speed
One point is sure: The faster a vehicle is going, the longer it will take it to stop. When a motorist must stop quickly, speed can be the difference between life and death.
Stopping Distances On Dry Surfaces For Passengers
Speed/Reaction distance/Braking distance/Total distance
10 mph/11 ft/6 ft/17 ft
20 mph/22 ft/25 ft/47 ft
30 mph/33 ft/55 ft/88 ft
40 mph/44 ft/105 ft/149 ft
50 mph/55 ft/188 ft/243 ft
60 mph/66 ft/300 ft/366 ft
70 mph/77 ft/455 ft/532 ft
Based on a reaction time of 3/4 second, which is typical for most motorists under most traffic conditions. See related information on proper braking, following distances and stopping at night.
Proper braking
The use of brakes may seem simple, but it is not. A motorist should know the type of braking system that his/her vehicle uses. It could be a conventional drum and disc brake system or an antilock braking system (ABS). Whether the vehicle is front- or rear-wheel drive does not determine proper braking.
Many new motorists make the common mistake of slamming the brake pedal, even if there is no emergency. The vehicle will jerk to a stop quickly and wear out brakes and tires. Steady, gentle pressure should be applied to the brake to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop. With an ABS, a motorist should not pump the brakes or violently jerk the wheel. An ABS-equipped vehicle may go out of control at only 35 mph if a motorist violently jerks the steering wheel and brake, even on dry pavement. New motorists should practice hard braking and steering in an empty parking lot or similar open space until they are accustomed to the ABS. A motorist should always use his/her right foot for both the brake and the gas pedal. If the vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, the left foot should be used for the clutch.
Driving signals
A motorist should always give a proper signal when turning, changing lanes, stopping or slowing down. Most vehicles have turn signals and a motorist should always use them. A motorist should turn on the turn signal at least 100 feet before turning and be sure to cancel the signal after making a turn. Not doing so could mislead other motorists. (N.J.S.A. 39:4-126)
New Jersey law requires a motorist to know the correct hand signals for stopping and turning, which are standard in all states. To give a hand signal, a motorist should put his/her arm well out of the vehicle so that it is visible to other motorists.
* Stop or slowing down: hand and arm downward, palm facing to the rear
* Right turn: hand and arm upward
* Left turn: hand and arm straight out
Another signal is the horn, which is a warning signal. It calls attention to what the motorist is doing. Motorists may sound the horn when passing another vehicle when not in a business or residential zone. Under normal conditions, the horn should be able to be heard for at least 200 feet. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-69) Only emergency vehicles may use sirens, whistles or bells.
Stop/Right turn/Left turn
Driving in reverse
Before driving in reverse, a motorist must be sure that the path is clear. This can be done by using the mirrors and turning to check. He/she must be very careful because the view to the rear is limited. 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. If a motorist does not turn the wheel while in reverse, the vehicle will move straight backward.
To drive in reverse, a motorists head and body should be turned to the right until he/she can see clearly through the back window of the vehicle without the use of mirrors. The motorists 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, with sight seeing correction made as needed. A vehicle should be driven slowly in reverse typically, walking speed (2 to 4 mph). The motorist should not turn forward until the vehicle is totally stopped.
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 motorists head and body is turned to look out the rear window. Palming the wheel with one hand while turning in reverse is dangerous and can result in failing the road test. A motorist should always remember that the front of the vehicle will swing in the opposite direction of a turn. A vehicle should be driven slowly in reverse.
A motorist must be able to drive in reverse in order to pass the road portion of the driving test. He/she will be asked to back the vehicle about 100 feet in a straight line, slowly and smoothly.
Turning
To make safe turns, a motorist should decide well in advance where he/she wants to turn. Last-minute turns can be unsafe. State law requires a motorist to get in the proper lane and signal at least 100 feet before making any turn. The faster the traffic is moving, the sooner a motorist should plan his/her turn. If a turn is missed, a motorist should never back up. It is better to take the next turn than to risk a collision. 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, bicycles and mopeds
* Signal first (use turn signals or hand signals) and then move into the 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 turn signal is turned off after the turn is completed
The 3-Point Turn (K Turn)
When turning a vehicle around, a motorist should start from the right edge of the road. Choose a safe spot with good visibility in both directions. 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 signal right and back 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, signaling left, while turning the steering wheel to the left. Finally, the motorist should straighten the vehicles wheels as it faces in the direction he/she wants to go. This is a complete 3-Point (or K) Turn. A new motorist will be required to make this turn during MVCs road test.