Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over runs through January 2

Nearly 10,000 people are killed annually on our nation's roadways due to drunk driving. In an effort to reduce these numbers, law enforcement agencies across the country are participating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. Police will begin cracking down on drunk driving as part of the campaign on December 1, 2014. Enforcement continues through January 2, 2015. The goal of the campaign is prevention, according to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety.  

"The key to deterring impaired driving is highly visible enforcement. The research is clear on the affect highly visible enforcement has on deterring impaired driving. Prevention and not arrest is the goal of the campaign."

For more information about the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website at 

http://www.nhtsa.gov/drivesober/ 

 

New Jersey’s Move Over Law

While New Jersey’s Move Over Law, legislation enacted to protect roadside emergency workers, was signed into law more than five years ago on January 27, 2009, there are still many in our state who are either unaware of the law and its requirements or neglect to follow it. 

The law requires that operators of motor vehicles – whether passenger vehicles or commercial trucks – must reduce their speed and change lanes when approaching vehicles with emergency lights. These vehicles include police, fire and medical services as well as highway maintenance, tow trucks and other official motorist aid vehicles with amber emergency lights. If possible to safely do so, vehicles must move over a lane to allow for an empty lane between traveling traffic and the emergency vehicle. If moving over is not a safe possibility, drivers must slow down to a speed below the posted limit before passing the emergency vehicles.

“Motorists approaching stationery flashing lights, whether an ambulance, police, fire or tow truck, must heed the warning and safely move over to another lane, or slow down below the posted speed limit,” then Division of Highway Traffic Safety Director Pam Fischer said at the time the legislation was passed. “Remember, emergency responders are there to help. Give them the space they need, so they can work safely.” 

New Jersey was the 44th state in the US to pass a Move Over Law.

According to Move Over America, more than 150 law enforcement officers were killed after being struck by vehicles along American highways from 1999 to 2010. 

Violations can cost between $100 and $500 in fines. But even greater than the cost of the fines that can result from failure to abide by this law, is the cost of the lives that can be taken.

For more information about the Move Over Law, visit nj.gov/oag/hts/move-over-law/.

Today, October 10, is Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day

Today, October 10, we observe the annual Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day. According to a report released by the National Highway and Traffic Administration, there were approximately 33,000 traffic deaths in 2012 alone. When broken down, that 33,000 translates into 90 fatalities every single day - one death every 16 minutes.

The goal of this day is to raise awareness of the risks involved in unsafe driving behavior. It is also meant to encourage all drivers to strive for a full day without any traffic deaths.

All motorists can do things to help eliminate the unsafe driving behavior. First, it is vital that all distractions - such as talking on cell phones or texting - are eliminated. Motorists must drive defensively and always be attentive. One should never drive while drowsy or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Here are some safety tips from the US DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration campaign, "Share the Road Safely."

 

Car Drivers

• Cutting in front can cut your life short! Avoid cutting in front of other vehicles as you may create an emergency braking situation for others around you, especially in heavy traffic.
• Buckle your seat belt! ALWAYS!
• Watch your blind spots and the "No Zones" around trucks and buses.
• Inattentive drivers. While driving, please focus only on the road. If you need to attend to another matter while driving (cell phones, kids, application of cosmetics, etc.) safely pull over in a parking lot or rest stop.
• Avoid aggressive drivers and driving aggressively. Speeding, running red lights and stop signs, making frequent lane changes and tailgating can create dangerous and potentially fatal situations on the road.
• Avoid squeeze play. Be careful of trucks and buses making wide right turns. If you try to get in between the truck and the curb, you could be caught in a squeeze and suffer a serious accident.
• Keep up with the maintenance on your vehicle! 
• Never drink and drive!

Motorcycle Drivers

• Watch the "No-Zones". Never hang out in a truck's blind spot or "No-Zone".
• Always wear a helmet!
• Drive to survive! Motorcycles are the smallest vehicles on the road and offer no protection in a crash. Be cautious, pay attention to the signals and brakes of other vehicles, especially trucks!
• Check yourself and your bike. Conduct a safety inspection of your motorcycle before each ride and be sure to wear the proper protective gear.
• Watch your speed!

Truck and Bus Drivers

• Take care of yourself! The most important part of a moving truck or bus is the driver. Get plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel, eat well and stay fit!
• Always maintain your vehicle
• Be aware of your "No-Zone"! The "No-Zone" represents the danger areas, or blind spots, around trucks and buses where crashes are more likely to occur. Be vigilant in watching out for vehicles in the "No-Zone".
• Slow down in work zones!
• Always keep your distance - leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• Fasten your seat belt. Buckle up for safety and control.
• Always drive defensively and AVOID aggressive drivers!
• Work to help yourselves. Help stranded motorists, notify traffic safety agencies of crashes, unsafe road conditions and other situations that can lead to crashes.

Pedestrians

• Watch your walkways. Walk on sidewalks and in crosswalks whenever possible. Pay attention to walk signals and keep a safe distance when standing on corners.
• Know your "No Zones". Be aware of blind spots around trucks, buses and cars when walking near and around them.
• Stopping Distances. Use caution when crossing intersections and streets. You may think vehicles will stop for you, but they may not see you or even be able to stop. Never take a chance with a truck, even if the driver sees you, they may not be able to stop. Truck brakes and gears are notorious for sticking.
• Make Yourself Visible. Wear bright or reflective clothing.
• Watch our for wide loads. Trucks with wide loads may have very limited visibility as well as difficulty maneuvering.

Bicyclists

• Wear your helmet!
• Bikers Beware. Always be aware of the traffic around you. Never assume that all drivers see you. Ride defensively.
• Check your brakes and be prepared to stop.
• Ride with traffic. Ride on the right side, with the flow of traffic.

Beware of the "No-Zone." Never sneak in between a truck or bus and the curb, or you could get crushed. Be aware that large trucks have blind spots in the front, back and on the sides, which make it difficult for the driver to see around them.

For more information about traffic safety tips and information, visit the website for Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day.