JAR Driver Education Services of New York

05/03/2026

Today’s safety message talks about a wet spring. It says, “April showers bring May flowers. Drive to be able to see those flowers”.

As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” Across the United States, spring brings renewed landscapes, blooming vegetation, and increased travel as people head out to enjoy the season. For drivers, this seasonal transition also brings specific safety challenges that require heightened awareness and disciplined driving practices.

Weather-Related Hazards

Spring rainfall can create slick road surfaces, reduced visibility, and unpredictable traction conditions. Wet pavement increases stopping distance and the risk of hydroplaning. Drivers must reduce speed during rainfall, maintain proper following distance, and ensure windshield wipers and defrosting systems are fully operational before departure.

New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law #1181 emphasizes adjusting driving behavior to weather conditions which requires extreme caution during hazardous conditions such as rain, fog, or reduced visibility.

Increased Pedestrian and Cyclist Activity

Warmer weather and blooming environments draw more pedestrians, cyclists, and outdoor activity—often near parks, urban centers, and scenic routes. Drivers must remain vigilant, particularly in areas with high foot traffic, and anticipate unpredictable movements from others sharing the road.

Roadway Changes and Hazards

Spring conditions may reveal potholes, debris, and road damage caused by winter weather. These hazards can impact vehicle control and passenger safety. Conduct thorough pre-trip inspections and remain alert to changing road conditions throughout your trip.

Vehicle Preparedness

Ensure tires have adequate tread depth for wet conditions, brakes are functioning properly, and all lighting systems are operational. Visibility—both seeing and being seen—is critical during spring showers.

Professional Responsibility

While spring invites passengers to enjoy the beauty of blooming flowers, your responsibility is to ensure they arrive safely to see them. Safe operation is not seasonal—it is constant. Adjust your driving to conditions, remain attentive, and prioritize safety over your schedule.

Drive with caution so others can enjoy the season. April showers may bring May flowers—but only safe, attentive driving ensures everyone gets there to see them.

05/03/2026

Have you ever wondered how many feet your car travels every second?

Here's the math

- MPH x 1.5 = FPS
ie: if your bus is traveling at 30mph,
30 x 1.5 = 45 FEET PER SECOND

How far will it take to stop your car?
Well, here's the math:

Reaction Distance:
MPH + 1st Digit of MPH = Reaction Distance in Feet
ie: 30 + 3 = 33 Feet Traveled

Braking Distance:
MPH x 1st Digit of MPH = Stopping Distance
ie: 30 x 3 = 90 Feet Traveled

Total Space Between Vehicles when Proper Following Distance is kept:
FPS x 4
ie: 45 x 4 = 180 Feet

Total Actual Stopping Distance
Reaction FPS + Braking FPS
ie: 33 + 90 = 123 Feet Total ACTUAL Stopping Distance

*** Mind you these hypothetical numbers are based on being in ideal road conditions (Road is Dry / "Blacktop")***

03/10/2026

Today’s safety message talks about blind spots. It says, “Rock and Roll”.

Drivers are responsible for maintaining full awareness of their vehicle’s surroundings at all times. One of the most effective techniques for managing blind spots is the “rock and roll” method. This simple but critical habit helps operators actively change their viewing angle to detect hazards that may otherwise remain hidden.

When seated in the driver’s position, fixed mirrors and windows cannot eliminate every blind spot. Pedestrians, cyclists, small vehicles, and obstacles can easily be concealed by window frames, mirror brackets, pillars, or the car body itself. By rocking forward and backward or side-to-side in the driver’s seat, the driver changes the line of sight, allowing hidden hazards to become visible.

Drivers should apply the rock and roll technique in several key situations:

Before pulling away from the curb – Check around mirrors, A-pillars, and door frames where pedestrians may be hidden.

When approaching intersections or crosswalks – Lean forward or shift position to see around obstructions and confirm the path is clear.

During turns – Especially right turns, where cyclists or pedestrians can enter blind zones.

Key Reminder for Drivers:

Do not rely solely on mirrors or a single line of sight. If something might be hidden, rock and roll in your seat to change your perspective and confirm the space is clear. A small movement can reveal a critical hazard and prevent a serious incident. Safe operation begins with complete awareness. Stay alert, check your blind spots, and always rock and roll to see what your mirrors cannot.

02/25/2026

Today’s safety message talks about what happens after a heavy snowfall. It says, “Roads shrink after snowfalls”.

Following a heavy snowfall, roadway conditions can change significantly—posing serious safety risks for professional bus operators and other road users. One of the most critical changes is the reduction in roadway width. Snow accumulation at the edges of streets, combined with snow banks created by plowing operations, often encroaches on traffic lanes. In many cases, a standard lane can be narrowed by several feet, limiting maneuverability and increasing the risk of side-swipes, curb strikes, and conflicts with pedestrians and cyclists.

Additionally, sidewalks may be impassable due to heavy snow, forcing pedestrians—including children, elderly individuals, and those with mobility devices—to walk in the road. Vehicle Operators should anticipate pedestrian presence on or near the roadway, especially in residential areas and business districts. Be prepared for sudden movements into the roadway by individuals attempting to navigate around snowbanks or icy patches.

Snowplows, while essential for clearing primary travel lanes, can unintentionally create visibility hazards by building large snowbanks at intersections, driveways, and bus stops. These snowbanks can obscure sight lines and conceal pedestrians or smaller vehicles.

Key Safety Guidelines:

Reduce Speed: Always drive at speeds appropriate for reduced lane widths and limited visibility.

Increase Following Distance: Allow extra space between your vehicle and others to account for reduced stopping ability on icy or snow-covered roads.

Use Caution: Expect obstructed views and hidden pedestrians behind snowbanks.

Be Alert for Unexpected Pedestrian Movement: Slow down in areas where sidewalks are buried, and anticipate foot traffic in the roadway.

Maintain Awareness of Roadway Limits: Recognize that snow accumulation can shrink usable lane space, particularly near curbs and shoulders.

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), winter road conditions contribute to over 1,300 fatalities and more than 116,800 injuries each year. Vehicle Operators play a critical role in preventing these incidents by adjusting driving behavior and maintaining vigilance during post-storm operations.

Stay alert. Stay safe.

02/22/2026

https://www.ny.gov/winter-safety-tips

The official website of the State of New York. Find information about state government agencies and learn more about our programs and services.

02/22/2026

https://www.nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips

Whether it’s snow, sleet or ice, winter weather can cause extremely dangerous road conditions. In 2019, there were 440 fatal crashes, and an estimated 33,000 injury crashes that occurred in wintry conditions. Preparing yourself – and your vehicle – for winter weather is key.

02/22/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1LFbHaLK8k

Be ready for winter driving with these helpful tips from MDOT and the Michigan State Police.

02/22/2026

Irrelevant of what vehicle you are operating, you should get used to remembering to seek your G.O.A.L. (GET OUT AND LOOK) BEFORE YOU MOVE YOUR VEHICLE!

Backing collisions are 100% preventable 100% of the time, as they almost always stem from a failure to take reasonable precautions. They are considered "preventable" if the driver could have acted to avoid the incident, with over 500 deaths and 15,000 injuries occurring annually, primarily due to backing into pedestrians or obstacles.

ONLY REVERSE WHEN ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.
BACKING IS RISKY as your field of vision is HIGHLY LIMITED.

Key Prevention Strategies

Avoid Backing:
Park in a way that allows you to drive forward when leaving, such as backing into a spot upon arrival.

"Get Out and Look" (GOAL):
Perform a 360-degree walk-around before entering your vehicle to identify hidden hazards, especially small children.

Use Spotters:
When backing in, use a spotter to guide you through blind spots.

Utilize Mirrors and Actual Headturning:
* Checking mirrors every 5 seconds.
* Back Slowly: Move at a slow, controlled speed to allow time for reaction.

Common Causes of Preventable Backing Accidents
* Distractions: Using phones or being distracted by passengers.
* Rushing: Failing to take time to properly check surroundings.
* Ignoring Blind Spots: Not being fully aware of the vehicle's
limitations, particularly in trucks or large vehicles.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

02/22/2026

SECTION 1144-A
Operation of vehicles when approaching a parked, stopped or standing authorized emergency vehicle, hazard vehicle, vehicle displaying a b...
Vehicle & Traffic (VAT) CHAPTER 71, TITLE 7, ARTICLE 26
§ 1144-a. Operation of vehicles when approaching a parked, stopped or
standing authorized emergency vehicle, hazard vehicle, vehicle
displaying a blue or green light or certain other motor vehicles. (a)
Every operator of a motor vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid
colliding with an authorized emergency vehicle which is parked, stopped
or standing on the shoulder or any portion of such highway and such
authorized emergency vehicle is displaying one or more red or
combination red and white lights pursuant to the provisions of paragraph
two of subdivision forty-one of section three hundred seventy-five of
this chapter or is displaying one or more blue, combination blue and red
or combination blue, red and white lights pursuant to the provisions of
subparagraph b of paragraph four of subdivision forty-one of section
three hundred seventy-five of this chapter. For operators of motor
vehicles on parkways or controlled access highways, such due care shall
include, but not be limited to, moving from a lane which contains or is
immediately adjacent to the shoulder where such authorized emergency
vehicle displaying one or more red, blue or white or any combination of
red and white lights or blue or combination blue and red or combination
blue, red and white lights pursuant to the provisions of paragraph two
or subparagraph b of paragraph four, as applicable of subdivision
forty-one of section three hundred seventy-five of this chapter is
parked, stopped or standing to another lane, provided that such movement
otherwise complies with the requirements of this chapter including, but
not limited to, the provisions of sections eleven hundred ten of this
title and eleven hundred twenty-eight of this title.

(b) Every operator of a motor vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid
colliding with a hazard vehicle which is parked, stopped or standing on
the shoulder or on any portion of such highway and such hazard vehicle
is displaying one or more amber lights pursuant to the provisions of
paragraph three of subdivision forty-one of section three hundred
seventy-five of this chapter or, if such hazard vehicle is designed for
the towing or pushing of disabled vehicles such hazard vehicle is
displaying one or more amber lights or one or more blue or combination
blue and amber lights pursuant to the provisions of paragraph three or
subparagraph b-1 of paragraph four, as applicable, of subdivision
forty-one of section three hundred seventy-five of this chapter or, if
such hazard vehicle owned and operated by the state or by a county,
city, town or village is designed for the removal of ice and snow such
hazard vehicle is displaying one or more amber lights or one or more
green or combination green and amber lights pursuant to the provisions
of paragraph three or subparagraph (c) of paragraph five, as applicable,
of subdivision forty-one of section three hundred seventy-five of this
chapter. For operators of motor vehicles on parkways or controlled
access highways, such due care shall include, but not be limited to,
moving from a lane which contains or is immediately adjacent to the
shoulder where (i) such hazard vehicle displaying one or more amber
lights pursuant to the provisions of paragraph three of subdivision
forty-one of section three hundred seventy-five of this chapter or (ii)
such hazard vehicle designed for the towing or pushing of disabled
vehicles displaying one or more amber lights or one or more blue or
combination blue and amber lights pursuant to the provisions of
paragraph three or subparagraph b-1 of paragraph four, as applicable, of
subdivision forty-one of section three hundred seventy-five of this
chapter or (iii) such hazard vehicle owned and operated by the state or
by a county, city, town or village is displaying one or more amber
lights or one or more green or combination green and amber lights
pursuant to the provisions of paragraph three or subparagraph (c) of
paragraph five, as applicable, of subdivision forty-one of section three
hundred seventy-five of this chapter, is parked, stopped or standing to
another lane, provided that such movement otherwise complies with the
requirements of this chapter including, but not limited to, the
provisions of sections eleven hundred ten and eleven hundred
twenty-eight of this title.

(c) Every operator of a motor vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid
colliding with a vehicle displaying a blue light pursuant to the
provisions of paragraph four or a green light pursuant to the provisions
of paragraph five of subdivision forty-one of section three hundred
seventy-five of this chapter which is parked, stopped or standing on the
shoulder or any portion of such highway. For operators of motor vehicles
on parkways or controlled access highways, such due care shall include,
but not be limited to, moving from a lane which contains or is
immediately adjacent to the shoulder where such vehicle displaying a
blue light pursuant to the provisions of paragraph four or a green light
pursuant to the provisions of paragraph five of subdivision forty-one of
section three hundred seventy-five of this chapter is parked, stopped or
standing to another lane, provided that such movement otherwise complies
with the requirements of this chapter including, but not limited to, the
provisions of sections eleven hundred ten and eleven hundred
twenty-eight of this title.

(d) Every operator of a motor vehicle on a parkway and on a
controlled-access highway shall exercise due care to avoid colliding
with a motor vehicle which is parked, stopped or standing on the
shoulder or any portion of such parkway or controlled-access highway.
For the purposes of this subdivision, such due care shall include, but
not be limited to, moving from a lane which contains or is immediately
adjacent to the shoulder where such motor vehicle is parked, stopped or
standing to another lane, provided that such movement otherwise complies
with the requirements of this chapter including, but not limited to, the
provisions of sections eleven hundred ten and eleven hundred
twenty-eight of this title.

Move over, slow down — or face the consequences. Maryland’s Move Over Law is in place to keep everyone stopped on the roadside safe. See how: https://bit.ly/3RgnAHe

02/22/2026

All of us are trying to get somewhere, and driving predictably is key to sharing the road! For the safety of all drivers, the turning lane and shoulder are never to be used as passing lanes.