Defensive Driving Techniques

Defensive driving techniques can help you improve driving safety and keep you and others on the road safe from injuries and fatalities due to automobile accidents. You can take a New Jersey defensive driving course online from DrivingUniversity.com, and in addition to learning how to become a safer driver, you’ll also have the chance to drop two points from your license every five years through taking this course. The following information is just a brief introduction to what you’ll learn in a New Jersey defensive driving course, but you can use these defensive driving tips as a start to driving safety.

Safe Driving Strategies

Defensive driving starts with learning to keep your cool. Every time you get behind the wheel, you’re going to come into contact with other drivers, many of which will not drive safely. You many even encounter road rage or other violence on the road. Remember, driving safety means that you have to look out for other drivers, not just yourself. Consider the following safe driving strategies when you’re on the road:

• Be polite and courteous. Road rage is the cause of many unnecessary deaths and injuries every year. Even if someone else is acting violently, put on a smile and be polite to avoid confrontation.

• Avoid driving if you are distracted or tired. The only way you can ensure safety from one point to another is by keeping your full attention on the road. If you need to make a call, eat, check a map, or nap, pull over to a rest stop or designated parking area.

• Plan ahead for bad weather. Keep in mind that the roads in New Jersey change when wet, hot, or icy. Adjust your speed and driving attitude if you encounter bad weather, or consider pulling off of the road altogether until the weather passes.

Road Conditions

Bad weather isn’t the only thing that could cause adverse road conditions. You could also have problems during rush hour, if you have to drive through a construction zone or around an accident, and more. Road conditions should dictate your driving.

Speed is most important when it comes to road conditions. Remember, the posted speed limits of 15 – 65 in New Jersey are only a maximum guideline to be used with good driving conditions. If you’re encountering bad weather, you can be ticketed for driving under the speed limit if the police officer feels you were driving at an unsafe speed. Slow down – it could save your life.

In New Jersey, driving safe in adverse conditions is important because this state’s climate means that you’ll deal with these problems, often on a daily basis. In New Jersey, you can expect, at some point in your driving career, to encounter the following:

• Fog

• Snow and Ice

• Heavy Rain

• High winds

• Smog

• Traffic

You should also be prepared to handle mechanical problems with your car as they rise. If you suddenly blow a tire, begin to stall, or otherwise experience a problem while driving, remain calm, slow down gently, and stop at the side of the road.

Signs, Signals, and Rules of the Road

Part of New Jersey driving safety is understanding the rules of the road. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and Department of Transportation are responsible for ensuring that signs and signals are clearly posted, but it is your responsible for following them, as well as learn how to properly navigate your car through intersections, use turn signals, and control the speed of your car. Some of the signs and signals you’ll encounter include the following:

• Stop signs

• Stop lights

• Speed limit signs

• Yield signs

• Flashing yellow lights

• Signs prohibiting things like u-turns, passing, etc.

• Safety signs that alert you to curves in the road, tendency for wildlife, etc.

• School, construction, and safe corridor zone postings

It is up to you to know the speed limit for where you are driving at all times. In addition, it is important to pay attention to posted signs alerting you to safety hazards. By being prepared for crosswalks, curves in the road, high traffic areas, and more, you can ensure that you’re ready to drive safely through these areas.

Alcohol and Driving

Part of New Jersey defensive driving is being prepared to encounter drunk drivers. Alcohol and driving does not mix – there are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Still, thousands of intoxicated residents get behind the wheel every year, putting themselves, their passengers, and other drivers and passengers on the road at risk. As a New Jersey driver, you have two duties – avoid alcohol when you know you’ll be driving in the future and watch out for others who may have been drinking and driving.

In New Jersey, you can be ticked with a DUI if you’ve been driving with a BAC of over 0.08%. For those under 21, there is a zero tolerance policy, meaning that any amount of alcohol (other than very low levels which indicate the use of minute amounts religious alcohol or mouthwash) will result in a DUI charge. If you’re convicted of the DUI, you could spend time in jail and lose your license. At the very least, you’ll owe thousands in fines to the state.

Defensive Driving Courses

It doesn’t matter if you’re a new or experienced driver – you should consider taking a New Jersey defensive driving course. Not only can such a course help you subtract points for your license, but it will make sure that you are up to speed with driving safety skills. You can even take a course online, from the comfort of your own home. Contact DrivingUniversity.com today to find out more about the New Jersey defensive driving courses available to you.