Safe Driving: Speed Control & Seatbelt Laws

1. Speed ControlNJ Seatbelt Laws

2. You are driving on a highway where the maximum speed limit is 55 mph. You see warning signs indicating a curve ahead and a square yellow sign indicating a maximum speed limit of 35 mph. Model your thinking process as you proceed in this situation. Do Now…..

3. Slow down to the 35 mph limit. • Pay attention to how well you can control your vehicle on the curve at this speed • Truck/SUV vs. small car • Reduce your speed even more if your control of visibility, time, and space requires it. Solution

4. What is the sequence of speed control? • A motorist should start slowly, gradually increase speed within the legal speed limit and flow of traffic. • The most important requirements of safe driving are visibility, time, and space. Speed Control

5. Business/Residential/School 25 mph • Suburban Business/Residential 35 mph • All other roadways 50 mph • Certain state highways 55 mph • Certain highways (as posted) 65 mph • If you are stopped by an officer for speeding in a 65 mph speed limit zones, your fines will be DOUBLED!! Speed Control

6. You will need to slow down during the following special driving conditions: • Narrow, winding roads • Intersections • Hills • Sharp or blind curves • Pedestrians or hazards present • Wet/slippery roads • School zones SLOW DOWN!!!!!!

7. Fixed Speed Limit • Maximum and minimum speed that a vehicle may be driven on a roadway. • Slow drivers can be pulled over and also make other drivers nervous or angry. • Cause traffic tie-ups and congestion. • Advisory Speed Limit • All roads are not straight. • Interrupts normal driving speed for a limited time due to road conditions. Speed Limits

8. One Car Length Rule • One car length should be left between you and the vehicle in front of you for each 10 mph of speed • Example: 50 mph = 5 car lengths • Three Seconds Rule • Pick a fixed object on the roadway; 3 seconds should pass from the time the car in front of you passes that object to the time that your car passes the object. Why 3 seconds?? Following Distance

9. The less time the driver has to spot dangerous situations and take action. • The greater the time and distance it takes to stop a vehicle. • The greater the chance the vehicle will skid. • The greater the force of impact will be in a collision. • The greater the personal injuries and property damage will be in a collision. The higher the speed…

10. All front seat occupants must wear a seat belt. • The driver is responsible for passengers under the age of 18. • Front seat passengers 18 and older are responsible for themselves. • Seat belts help to: • Keep a motorist from being thrown from the vehicle. • Slows the body down. • Keeps the body from sliding during sudden stops and turns. But I don't need to wear my seatbelt (JUST WATCH) Seat Belts

11. Child car seats should be placed in the back of the vehicle when possible. • An infant seat should face the rear of the vehicle. • A child must be at least 17 pounds to face forward in the car seat. Car Seats

12. Children up to age 8 years of age or less than 80 pounds must ride in a safety or booster seat in the rear of the vehicle. • Children under age 8 and children that weigh over 80 pounds must be secured in a rear seat and use a seat belt. • If there is no rear seat, the child must be properly belted in the front seat. Child Restraint Law

13. Air bags are designed to supplement safety belts. • You can tell if your vehicle has an air bag by: • Airbag • SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) • SIR (Supplemental Inflatable System) How do these things work? Air bags