New Jersey Injury Lawyers Blog

Most teenagers cannot wait to get their driver’s license, but a little patience can avoid years of frustration as one New Jersey teen learned recently.

Last month, an unidentified 15-year-old learned he may not be eligible for his driver’s license until he turns 35, all because of an impetuous act. According to reports, the teen took his father’s brand new car for a joy ride without permission. Things went from bad to worse when the teen lost control and crashed into the pickup of an off-duty New Jersey police officer. No injuries were reported in the accident, but the pickup was totaled. (1)

While that penalty may seem stiff, New Jersey takes its driving laws seriously, particularly where teen drivers are concerned. In this State a person can obtain a probationary driver’s license at 17. This license restricts these young drivers from having more than one additional passenger (parents, guardians and dependents excluded) in the car, and prohibits driving between the hours of 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., with certain exceptions allowed for work and religious reasons. (2)

They were introduced as a safety measure, but do red light cameras actually cause more problems than they prevent? That is the question being raised yet again by at least one New Jersey official.

Red light cameras have been installed throughout the State at intersections that are busy and/or considered dangerous as a proactive measure to lessen the number of traffic accidents at those intersections. However, recent statistics show the number of accidents – most particularly rear-end collisions – have increased, at least in some areas. It seems some drivers hesitate to make right turns on red at intersections monitored by cameras for fear of getting “caught” going through a red light and this hesitation can result in rear-end collisions. (1)

In New Jersey, it is legal for a driver to make a right turn on a red signal, unless otherwise posted. The rules for right on red, however, require drivers to come to a complete stop before proceeding through the intersection once it is safe to do so. (2)

The groundhog may not have seen his shadow in February (1), but there is still some life left in this winter. When winter storms dump snow and ice on us, New Jersey residents have some responsibility for keeping our roads and streets safe.

New Jersey has stringent laws regarding removal of snow and ice from vehicles. The law, which took effect in 2010, requires motorists to remove snow and ice from the roofs and hoods of their vehicles before getting on the road. (2) This is to prevent the snow and ice from flying off their cars and trucks into the path of other motorists. Flying snow and ice can cause damage to property, injury to others, and even result in traffic accidents.

Failure to clear your vehicle before driving can result in fines of between $25 and $75. If the snow and ice blows off your vehicle causing damage or injury to others, these fines can increase to between $200 and $1,000. (2) Snow and ice that is allowed to fall freely from uncleared vehicles can also hinder efforts to clean the roads which, in turn, can lead to hazardous driving conditions.

Person using cell phone while driving. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

New Jersey was one of the first states to adopt laws prohibiting the use of handheld cell phones and texting while driving, but some lawmakers feel drivers do not always take these offenses seriously enough. Now the State is considering stiffer penalties for the violation of its distracted driving laws. (1)

Research indicates that texting while driving is more dangerous (at a rate of six to eight times more) than drunk driving, yet the current penalties are less severe. (2) Violating the State’s current laws against driving and using a cell phone carries a fine of $100, while drunk driving charges can carry a sentence of 2 to 15 years in jail. (1)

(Photo credit: ER24 EMS (Pty) Ltd.)

Even the most skilled drivers can be involved in a car accident. How you react in the aftermath can mean the difference between an accident and a crime.

Accidents range from fender-benders to multi-vehicle pile-ups. Some result in damages only, while others can be fatal. (According to a State Police report issued on October 2, there had been five fatalities resulting from motor vehicle accidents in Hunterdon County so far this year.) (1) Whatever your situation, there are steps to take following an accident.