Defensive Driving and Collision Prevention

Vocabulary and key concepts relating to defensive driving techniques, safety laws, and emergency procedures.

Standard Collision-Prevention Formula

A three-part method consisting of: BE ALERT (never think the other motorist will not make a mistake), BE PREPARED (learn what to do and expect the unexpected), and ACT IN TIME (try not to panic).

Aggressive Driving

Occurs when motorists fail to consider how their actions behind the wheel may affect others, characterized by behaviors such as speeding, improper passing, and tailgating.

Road Rage

Occurs when a motorist loses their temper or becomes frustrated because of a traffic disturbance, leading to honking, yelling, hand gestures, or physical altercations.

Teen Crash Distraction Statistic

6 out of 10 teen crashes involve driver distraction, with 'Interacting with one or more passengers' being the most common form ($15 \%$).

Maggie's Law

Enacted in June 2003, this law makes it illegal to knowingly drive a vehicle while impaired by lack of sleep.

Highway Hypnosis

A trance-like state experienced after being behind the wheel for a long time; it can be avoided by not looking at any one thing for more than a few seconds.

Tailgating

The act of following too closely behind a vehicle directly in front, which is a common cause of accidents.

One Car Length Rule

A following distance guideline suggesting one car length, approximately $20\,\text{feet}$, for every $10\,\text{mph}$ of speed.

Three-seconds-plus Rule

A rule used to determine safe following distance; it should be increased to four or more seconds on wet roads.

Following Distance on Ice

At a speed of $20\,\text{mph}$, the suggested following distance is 12 car lengths.

Hydroplaning

When tires ride up on a film of water, starting at about $35\,\text{mph}$, which can cause a motorist to lose control of the vehicle.

Headlight Visibility Rule

Headlights must be used at dusk, night, dawn, on dark days, and whenever weather conditions reduce visibility to less than $500\,\text{feet}$.

N.J.S.A. 39:3-46

State law requiring headlights to be on whenever windshield wipers are in use.

City Driving Visibility

A motorist should look at least $12\,\text{seconds}$ ahead while driving in city environments.

Construction Zone Penalties

Traffic fines are doubled in these work areas where flaggers or police officers may control traffic.

Skid Recovery Procedure

To avoid a spin, turn in the direction the rear of the vehicle is skidding and take your foot off the gas pedal.

Running Off Pavement Recovery

If wheels drift onto the shoulder, ease off the gas pedal, slow down, regain control, and turn slowly back onto the roadway.

Tire Blowout Procedure

Hold the steering wheel firmly and keep the vehicle straight while gradually slowing down.

Fitch Barriers

Protective road hazards that are designed to give way if hit during a potential collision.