The following is an ‘Ask The Mayor’ question submitted to TLS, and the Mayor’s response. Email your questions for the Mayor to [email protected].
Question:
Dear Mayor Coles,
Thank you for being open to the public’s questions, and answering them in public forums.
I have some suggestions that I would like to make in regard to the driving in Lakewood.
Since I’ve moved to Lakewood three years ago, I’ve heard a lot of talk of the hazardous driving habits of the residents here.
It has come to my attention, from talking to family and friends, that many people simply don’t know the laws in certain situations. For example, one colleague told me that she is unsure of when she is supposed to go at a stop sign, so to be safe, she always goes with the car in front of her (!). I’ve heard from others that they are not sure when it is their turn to proceed at a 4 way stop sign.
In addition, when I took my license test here, it was a joke compared to the driving test I took in my country of origin. I had to drive down a deserted street, make a K-turn, and then return to where I started. I’ve yet to hear of anyone in Lakewood who has failed to pass their driving test. In comparison, on my original driving test, I had to drive through regular traffic on busy streets, and it was heard of there to have to retake the test 6 times in order to pass.
Having more educated drivers on the road will lead to safer driving.
I think it is imperative to educate the general public about driving laws. One way this can be accomplished is by creating columns in local papers or sites with simply explained relevant driving laws (such as where to stop at an intersection, and how long to stop at stop signs, laws regarding the use of phones while driving, laws regarding right turns on reds, laws regarding pedestrians crossing streets etc.). Just one relevant law a week, nothing too heavy, or too hard to read through.
Even more important than educating those who already hold drivers licenses, would be to only put safe new drivers on the road.This can be done by making the driving exam more rigorous. I personally know someone who took no driving lessons, and drove a car only two times, before astonishingly passing her driving exam. If the system of getting licenses can be changed, it would help drivers get their experience with someone at their side, before driving on their own.
I am curious to hear your opinion about this.
Respectfully,
MF
Response from Mayor Coles:
Hello Malky,
I fully agree that driving in Lakewood can be a challenge. I’ve told my children that learning to drive safely in Lakewood has prepared them to drive anywhere. Many of your suggestions are spot on. Licensing is a state issue though and we have no input into it. I have forwarded your letter to Senator Singer with a note asking him to pass it on to the MVC for review. I really like your idea about the column. I will ask the chief if Traffic & Safety can prepare a regular release & maybe (with the help of our hosts at the Scoop) a series of safety videos educating the public about many of the issues you addressed.
Thanks
Ray
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One thing that is really dangerous is the fact that people dont know that when 2 cars get to an intersection one wants to turn left and the other want to go straight the person going straight always has the right of way no matter who got there first. I cant tell you number of times the the turning car almost smashed into me.
Another one is people if someone flashes their brights at you its not because they like you they are trying to tell you to turn your brights off
Right on!!!
I think everyone agrees that the driving conditions here are atrocious. However, you can’t blame that on the DMV road test. After all, of that were the case then all surrounding towns would have the same issues, as there is only one road test site for all of ocean county. Yes, it would be great if everyone were on the same page in terms of rules and regulations, and maybe everyone should take lessons and read the DMV book again, but it is difficult to reach a large percentage of the population unless you publish in many different media outlets. Nice thought and a true one but this is oversimplifying a complicated issue and the solution has to be multi faceted and widespread. It does start with something like this, but needs a whole lot more….
Avi, I believe you are referring to when there are no stop signs involved for both vehicles. If there is a stop signs the vehicle that arrived first has the right of way regardless of where he’s turning… If two vehicles were to arrive at the same time at a stop sign, the vehicle on the right is always given the right of way.