Rollover Roof Tests

Hello All,

After my daughter was involved in a rollover incident, I've been more aware of roof test ratings. Ever wonder how roll over roof tests are done....well the The Insurance Institute evaluates rollover protection using a roof strength test. In this test a metal plate is pushed against one corner of a vehicle's roof at a constant speed. The maximum force sustained by the roof before 5 inches of crush is compared to the vehicle's weight to find the strength-to-weight ratio. This is a good assessment of vehicle structural protection in rollover crashes. Good rated vehicles have roofs that can withstand a force equal to at least 4 times the vehicle's weight.

The latest test ratings results show two large luxury cars earn good ratings and Top Safety Pick award.....The 2011 Cadillac CTS and Infiniti M37/M56 earn the top rating of good in recent roof strength tests that assess how well vehicles would protect people in rollover crashes. The Lexus GS and Audi A6, both tested as 2010 models, are rated acceptable, and the Acura RL, also a 2010, is rated marginal for rollover protection.

After the latest roof strength tests, the CTS and M37/M56 also earn the Institute's Top Safety Pick award with good ratings in all 4 Institute safety evaluations, and electronic stability control, which research shows can help drivers stay out of crashes altogether.

"The test results show that manufacturers are moving quickly to improve the rollover safety of their newest designs," says Institute president Adrian Lund.

The BMW 5 series, Hyundai Genesis, Lincoln MKS, Mercedes E class, and Volvo S80 also are Top Safety Pick winners in the large luxury class based on test results released earlier.

Remember...shiney side up, rubber side down....HK

DOT To Hold Distracted Driving Summit

Hello All,

As I mentioned the other day, I was driving to Boston to check out housing for my graduate school bound daughter, when we witnessed a near rear end collision in the lane right next to us while stopped at a traffic light. Both of the drivers were using hand held phones and when we looked around at the other cars around us, several drivers were talking on hand held devices, one was texting and several others were either using blue tooth or singing along to the radio (hard to tell these days). The point is that we felt like we were the only ones paying attention.

This is becoming a national problem as evidenced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's announcement that the second National Distracted Driving Summit will be held on September 21, 2010, in Washington, DC. To build on the growing momentum sparked by the first summit last fall, Secretary LaHood will convene leading transportation officials, safety advocates, law enforcement, industry representatives, researchers, and victims affected by distraction-related crashes to address challenges and identify opportunities for national anti-distracted driving efforts.
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“Working together, we can put an end to the thousands of needless deaths and injuries caused by distracted driving each year,” said Secretary LaHood. “By getting the best minds together, I believe we can figure out how to get people to put down their phones and pay attention to the road.”
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In the year since Secretary LaHood convened the first Distracted Driving Summit, efforts to curb distracted driving have grown exponentially. Dozens of state and local governments have enacted anti-distracted driving legislation and the federal government has established texting bans for commercial truck and bus drivers. The Department of Transportation helped victims establish a national non-profit advocacy organization called FocusDriven and launched pilot law enforcement campaigns in Hartford, CT and Syracuse, NY.
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Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that in 2008, nearly 6,000 people died and more than half a million were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver. More than 20 percent of all crashes that same year involved some type of distraction.

Stay Focused & Drive Safely.......HK

When To Avoid Long Haul Trucks

Hello All,

Below is some interesting information regarding collisions and near collisions with long haul trucks. This information was gathered by Drive Cam, a distributor and training company of safety cameras for the commercial trucking industry. Seems like we are coming up on peak season for truck collisions......read on.....HK

Collisions/Near Collisions by Month of the Year

• Collisions and near collisions in the long haul trucking industry are very low from January to June (between 1% and 5%).
• Beginning in July, however, the collision/near collision rate spikes (and actually peaks at 18%) remaining above 14% through November.
• The collision/near collision rate in the long haul trucking industry is, on average, over 5% higher than Other Industries from June to November.

Collisions/Near Collisions by Day of Week

• Collisions/near collisions peak on Tuesdays and Fridays in long haul trucking (21% and 20%) respectively.
• The long haul trucking collision/near collision rate is slightly lower than Other Industries on Wednesday and Thursday, as well as on Saturday and Sunday.
  

Collisions/Near Collisions by Hour of Day

• Collisions/near collision rate in long haul trucking remains below 4% from 11PM until 9AM.
• Beginning at 9AM, the collision rate in long haul trucking begins to climb with a small dip between 1PM and 2PM before increasingly sharply.
• The long haul trucking collision/near collision rate peaks between 3PM and 4PM at 9%, takes a sharp nosedive and then rises to 6.5% between 8PM and 9PM before starting a decline below 4%.

Changes In Vehicle Inspection Regulations

Hello All,

Well there are some big changes that just came out from the NJ-MVC regarding Vehicle Inspections starting 8/1/2010. The bottom line is that cars less than 5 years old will no longer need to be inspected. Cars 5 years or older will require an emissions test every two years. Motorcycles will no longer require inspections. Below is the text of the new regulations.

Effective August 1, 2010, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) made changes to the New Jersey Vehicle Inspection Program eliminating the mechanical defects portion of the inspection process for passenger vehicles. Most passenger vehicles will be required to be inspected every two years for emissions only. Commercial vehicles and buses will be required to be inspected every year for mechanical defects and emissions. Motorcycles no longer require inspection.

Drive Safely....HK

What vehicles have to be inspected every two years for emissions?

Vehicles that have to be inspected for emissions every two years are:

 Gasoline and bi-fueled vehicles plated as passenger, not-for-profit, governmental,
commuter van, farmer or farm truck, five (5) model years and older, excluding buses
 Diesel-powered, passenger motor vehicles plated as passenger, not-for-profit,
governmental, commuter van, farmer or farm truck model year 1997 and newer with a
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) 8,500 pounds or less, five (5) model years and
older, excluding buses

What if my vehicle failed inspection prior to August 1, 2010?

Any vehicle rejected for mechanical defects before August 1, 2010 will still require repair and need to pass a re-inspection at either a Private Inspection Facility or state operated facility before a certificate of approval (passing inspection sticker) can be issued.

What if my vehicle was due for inspection prior to August 1, 2010 and I was unable to have it inspected until after that date?

Any vehicle due for inspection prior to August 1, 2010 that is presented for an initial inspection after August 1, 2010, will only be given the required emission test. Even with the enactment of these changes, motorists are still required to ensure that their vehicles are free from mechanical defects. A vehicle with mechanical or equipment defects may be cited by law enforcement at any
time.

What vehicles do not have to be inspected?

Vehicles that do not have to be inspected include:
 Motorcycles
 Diesel-powered, passenger motor vehicles plated as passenger, not-for-profit,
governmental, commuter van, farmer or farm truck, with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) of 8,501 to 9,999 pounds, regardless of model year
 Diesel-powered, passenger motor vehicles plated as passenger, not-for-profit,
governmental, commuter van, farmer or farm truck model year 1996 and older with
GVWR 9,999 pounds or less
 Diesel-powered trucks plated as commercial, passenger, not-for-profit, governmental, commuter van, farmer or farm truck with a GVWR of 10,000 to 17,999 pounds (selfinspected under NJAC 13:20-26.16)
 Vehicles registered as “farm use” or “farm tractor”
 Collector Vehicles (Odometer and credential verification at state operated Inspection Facility)
 Historic Plates (QQ)
 Trailer
 Mopeds

What vehicles are required to be inspected yearly for both mechanical defects and emissions?

Vehicles required to be inspected yearly for mechanical defects and emissions are listed below:

 Taxis
 Limousines
 Jitneys
 All gasoline or bi-fueled-powered, commercial plated (x-plated) vehicles
 Diesel-powered, commercial-plated (x-plated) vehicles with a GVWR of 9,999 pounds or less
 Ambulances registered by the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH). Frequency of
inspection is determined by DOH
 Buses issued passenger, governmental, no fee, or commercial vehicle license plates not subject to inspection by the Commercial Bus Inspection Unit or the School Bus
Inspection Unit

Where can I get my vehicle inspected?

Vehicles that require gasoline emission tests every two years and those that equire yearly mechanical defect and emission testing must be inspected at either a state operated or Private Inspection Facility. Heavy-duty diesel-powered motor vehicles (GWVR 18,000 or greater) are required to have a yearly opacity inspection performed at a Diesel Private Inspection Facility.

What do I have to bring to have my car inspected?

You must bring ALL the following ORIGINAL documents (no photocopies, e-mails or faxes):

 Your valid driver license; you must be at least 17 years old. Driver does not need to be the vehicle owner
 Valid NJ vehicle registration document (no online renewal receipt)
 Valid NJ Vehicle Insurance Identification Card issued by insurance company:
o Last name on Insurance Card must match owner’s last name on vehicle
registration document
o Leasing companies must be listed as owner on leased vehicle ID cards
o Owner insured fleet, dealer or leasing company insurance ID cards are acceptable
with the words "All Owned Vehicles" or "Fleet" inserted in the vehicle
description portion of the card
o Insured name and owner name, matching the vehicle registration, are required for
"Fleet" leased vehicle ID cards

What if I don’t want to wait in line at the Inspection Station?

If you do not want to wait in line at the Inspection Station, you can make an appointment at one of five select state operated facilities - Westfield, Salem, Bridgeton, Cape May or Washington(Warren County) - online at www.njmvc.gov or by calling (888) NJMOTOR (656-6867) toll free in NJ or (609) 620-7992 from out-of-state. Customer service representatives are available Mon-Thu, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; and Sat., 7 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where else can I get my car inspected?

You may choose to have your car inspected at a local Private Inspection Facility. A Private Inspection Facility is a privately-owned garage, that charges a fee, and is licensed by the state to perform the required mechanical and emission inspections. To find the nearest Private Inspection Facility, search online at www.njmvc.gov under Inspections.

If my vehicle fails an emissions test where can I get it repaired?

The motorist has a choice to either make the emission repairs themselves or have the repairs made at an MVC- registered Emission Repair Facility. An Emission Repair Facility is a registered emission repair facility that meets the qualifications and training requirements for emission repairs and maintenance set forth by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. To find the nearest Emission Repair Facility location, search online at www.njmvc.gov under Inspections.

How do I get a replacement inspection sticker?

To get a replacement inspection sticker issued for an inspection conducted at a state operated or Private Inspection Facility or, you must go to designated re-inspection area of your local state operated inspection station. You must present to the inspector at the station your driver license, vehicle registration and insurance card. All documents must be originals, no copies, faxes or computer generated files.
You must also present one of the documents listed below:

 Inspection sticker
 Vehicle Inspection Report (copy available online at www.njmvc.gov)
 Repair invoice from a glass company for windshield replacement
 Police report
The inspector will install a new inspection sticker at no cost to the motorist.

I bought a model year 2010 car from a New Jersey New Car Dealer this year, when does it have to be inspected?

Starting August 1, 2010, all vehicles less than five (5) model years old, when purchased from a new car dealer, will have a New Car Dealer Inspection Decal installed on the car’s windshield in the lower driver side corner. The decal will expire on the last day of the month in which the carwas registered, 5 years from the model year.

I bought a model year 2010 car prior to August 1, 2010 and received a New Car Inspection Decal for four (4) years. Why didn’t my car get a five (5) year decal?

Since the law just went into effect on August 1, 2010, you were not eligible for a five (5) year inspection decal when you purchased your car. However, if you purchased a car less than five model years old including 2010 between August 1, 2006 and July 2010, your car qualifies to receive an additional one (1) year extension. Owners of these vehicles will receive a “1-YEAR EXTENSION” Inspection Decal in the mail from the MVC during the summer of 2010.

See the sample below:

What if a car less than five (5) model years old is purchased from someone other than a New Jersey New Car Dealer and has never been inspected in the State of New Jersey, when does my car have to be inspected?

Any car less than five (5) model years is eligible for a five (5) year inspection exemption which means that it can receive a New Car Dealer Inspection Decal expiring on the last day of the month which the car was registered 5 years from the model year. You should have received a green card or SS-19 from the MVC Motor Vehicle Agency at the time of registration. The SS-19 instructs you to take your car to designated re-inspection area of your local state operated inspection station to receive a New Car Dealer Inspection Decal. At the station you must present to the inspector your driver license, valid NJ vehicle registration and valid NJ
insurance card. All documents must be NJ originals, no copies, faxes or computer generated files. After reviewing the documents, the inspector will install a New Car Dealer Inspection Decal expiring on the last day of the month which the car was registered 5 years from the model year.

Is my motorcycle required to be inspected?

Effective August 1, 2010, motorcycles are no longer required to submit for an inspection in the State of New Jersey. Riders should keep in mind that it is their responsibility to ensure that their motorcycles are free from mechanical defects and are operating properly.

How do I self-inspect my motorcycle?

Here are some points that every rider should remember before they hit the road. They should be mindful to have the current motorcycle registration, insurance card and driver license with them whenever they ride. Of course, they must always ride with the correct protective equipment which includes the following:

 USDOT approved non-reflective helmet with four inches of reflective tape on each side
 Approved goggles or face shield if motorcycle is not equipped with an approved wind
screen

Finally, it is important that the motorcycle be examined to ensure that every component is working in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and is not bent, loose, damaged, broken, defective or out of alignment. These components are as follow:

 Steering, suspension, and wheel alignment
 Handlebar grips that are not higher than your shoulders when you are seated on the
motorcycle in normal driving position
 Horn
 Red rear light and reflector
 Stop light
 Head light
 Rear view mirror
 Exhaust system
 Tires
 Seat, hand holds, and foot rests
 Adequate brakes (all motorcycles made after 1974 require brakes on front and rear
wheels)

It is important for all riders to remember that any vehicle, including motorcycles, may be cited by law enforcement at any time for mechanical defects or when equipment is out of compliance.

For further additional information on motorcycle safety and training please refer to
www.NJridesafe.org.

Aggressive Driving

Hello All,

I've been spending quite a bit of time traveling between North Jersey and Atlantic City on the Garden State Parkway over the last few weeks. I've seen many, many instances of aggressive driving, especially tailgating and lane changes without signaling. It's a real hazard and has been written up in many of the transportation periodicals as an "epidemic" here in New Jersey.

To find out if you are an aggressive driver cut and paste the URL below and take the Aggressive Driving Test to see how you score! The answer key is on the bottom right hand side of the quiz.

www.nj.gov/oag/hts/images/Obey-or-Pay_Quiz.pdf


Don't forget to sign up to follow future blog posts.

Regards.....HK

.........Meet The Instructor........

Howard Karp

Chief Instructor

Jersey Defensive Driving

Hello All,

Welcome to Road Signs the blog for Jersey Defensive Driving. I am your Host and Instructor, Howard Karp. Let me introduce myself....After a successful 30 year career in the corporate world, I decided to turn my attention to more enjoyable activities. As a motorcyclist, I decided to turn my hobby into a new career and became a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Ridercoach. I teach motorcycle riding instruction at Fairleigh Dickinson University in northern New Jersey during the motorcycling season.

I really enjoy meeting people and doing presentations, so I expanded my training offerings and started Jersey Defensive Driving, an educational company that offers a classroom style seminar in Defensive Driving for the automobile driving public. This course is appropriate for all levels of drivers whether you are just starting out or have been behind the wheel for years. Best of all, if you take this course, either in a group seminar or individually Online, can receive a premium discount of 5-10% off your automobile insurance depending on your insurance carrier and you will receive a 2 point reduction in driver's license points. These discounts are good every year for 3 years which makes it a great value. You can always improve your driving skills...so be a lifetime learner and sign up for one of our seminars or register for an Online course and pick up some new tips, techniques and strategies, meet new friends and share your experiences and knowledge with others.

Keep tuned to this blog to stay on top of the latest industry news, items of interest that affect the motoring public, and interesting observations and ramblings from me and our friends as we travel the New Jersey roadways. You can follow us on facebook and find me on Linked In.

Hope to see you soon...drive safely!

HK