HunterdonDrivingSchool

In several months a new test question will be asked on the NJ MVC written test.

The new question asks applicants whether they are aware of the dangers of failing to follow the state's motor vehicle traffic laws and whether they know that they have the option to take the "STOP for Nikhil" safety pledge. 

The pledge is named for 11 yr. old Nikhil Badlani, who was killed 2011 in an accident involving a driver who failed to stop at a stop sign.  The pledge will be added to the Motor Vehicle's driver's manual, and the new question added to the driver's exam.

“STOP for Nikhil Safety Pledge”

"In order to ensure the safety of others on the road, passengers in my car, and myself as a driver, I pledge to obey traffic laws while operating a motor vehicle, be extra cautious, and be attentive to traffic signs and signals and road conditions. Specifically:

"I will come to a complete stop at every 'stop' sign or red traffic light, and will not proceed through a red traffic light;

"I will stay alert, keep two hands on the steering wheel whenever possible, and keep my mind on the road;

"I will talk safely by using a hands-free wireless telephone while driving if I am of lawful age to do so and refrain from texting while driving; and

"I will plan ahead and leave enough time to arrive at my destination.

Car crashes are the leading cause of death and injury for children under the age of 14 and now effective September 1, 2015 New Jersey will lead the nation with a tough new law.

New Jersey’s new law will comply with the following:

• Children under age 2 AND weighing less than 30 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing child safety seat that is equipped with a five-point harness.

• Children ages 2 – 4 and weighing up to 40 pounds must be secured in a child-safety seat equipped with a five-point harness, either rear-facing (up to the height and weight limits of the seat) or forward-facing.

• Children ages 4 – 8 and less than 57” tall (4’9”) must be secured in a forward-facing seat equipped with a five-point harness (up to the height and weight limits of the seat) or in a booster seat.

You can get your child seat inspected by a certified child seat technicians at the Route 12 County Complex - Hazmat Garage from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm The 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month

Contact Donna Snyder at 908-788-1129 or email dsnyder@co.hunterdon.nj.us for questions.

From May 18 - 31, 2015 law enforcement agencies in New Jersey and nationwide will conduct Click It or Ticket campaigns that incorporate zero-tolerance enforcement of safety belt laws with paid advertising and the support of government agencies, local coalitions and school officials to increase safety belt use and defend against one of the greatest threats to us all - serious injury or death in traffic crashes.

The only municipality in Hunterdon County that was awarded the grant is Clinton Township.

Last year's Click It or Ticket, Clinton Twp. issued 171 seat belt tickets.

The Motor Vehicle Commission has launched its JustDrive.com campaign as a call to action to New Jersey drivers of all ages. MVC has developed this resource to be a wealth of information related to the dangers of cell phone use behind the wheel. It is also designed to serve as an interactive forum for people to come together to spread a message of safety, responsibility and their unified desire for change.

The MVC invites the citizens of New Jersey to visit www.JustDrive.com to help put an end to talking and texting while driving and so they are asking you to put your phone down while you're behind the wheel. It's time we Just Drive.

Check out the website.

Oct. 19-25 is National Teen Driver Safety Week.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of 14- to 18-year-olds in the United States. Yet, a recent survey found only one in four parents had talked seriously with their teens about what it means to be a safe driver.

Parents need to remind teens often of the responsibilities associated with driving and set clear expectations for their teen's behavior, both behind the wheel and as passengers. Teens are not only less experienced drivers, but studies show they are also more likely to fall victim to distractions and the kinds of bad decisions that can prove deadly. Studies show they're also less likely to wear seat belts, a factor that can have tragic consequences if they ever get into an accident.

NHTSA suggests that parents have their teens agree to the following "5 to Drive" rules:

1. No cell phones while driving.
2. No extra passengers.
3. No speeding.
4. No alcohol.
5. No driving or riding without a seat belt, front and back.

A bill that would outlaw driving under the influence of inhalants was passed unanimously by a NJ state Senate committee this morning. The bill, dubbed "Kimmie’s Law," was prompted by the death of 16-year-old Kim Goupil on a Sussex County road in 2007.

The bill would apply driving under the influence penalties against anyone who has any one of a list of more than two dozen chemicals in their bloodstream, including acetone, isopropyl alcohol, benzene or others, which can be inhaled from toxic vapors from glue, cement, aerosol cans or other sources, according to the bill.

It's Allergy season and driving can cause problems.
Did you know that drivers with allergies are similar to drunk drivers. Many drivers with allergies know that they spend half their time sneezing, rubbing itchy eyes and wiping their noses. They know all too well the reality of hay fever and the allergies that strikes both in spring and fall.

Whether you're taking Alegra, Benadryl, Claritin...anything all the way to Zyrtec, the important thing is to remember to check the product's warning label. News accounts about drivers compromised by their medications are increasing and that's because people are not taking enough time to understand the meds they're taking.

 Antihistamines will make you drowsy. Here's just one example from what Zyrtec advises: "Zyrtec may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Zyrtec. Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Zyrtec

First time offenders will face a fine of at least $200.
The fine associated with a second offense will increase to at least $400 and drivers who are caught a third time will face a fine of at least $600, a possible 90-day suspension of their driver's license and will be assessed (3) three motor vehicle penalty points.