subject: Vehicle Maintenance And Requirements In New Jersey [print this page] Driving a vehicle in the State of New Jersey requires basic care and upkeep. Changing the oil and putting gas in the tank are about as basic as it gets, but there is so much more to driving responsibly that many people do not consider. Even if someone does not intend to do oil changes or a tune-up on their vehicle, it is a good idea to know some of the basic elements of regular maintenance. An education in driving may be the best insurance New Jersey can provide but personal responsibility to keep the car in tip top shape is where the rubber meets the road. Individual drivers must also learn to control their own vehicle in all kinds of weather and traffic situations.
Driving a vehicle in 49 states requires automobile insurance. New Hampshire is the only state that does not require limited liability automobile coverage. The requirements for insurance New Jersey allows a new driver who may not have a disposable income at a young age, to afford basic coverage. A policy that covers Bodily Injury is not required but is optional at $10,000 worth of coverage for all persons, per accident. Property Damage Liability for $5,000 and Personal Injury Protection for $15,000 per person, per accident (up to $250,000 for particular injuries) is part of the basic required insurance coverage. The next level of coverage is a Standard Policy that ups the amount for Bodily Injury to a low end of $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident or the option of the high-end coverage of $250,000 per person, $500,000 per accident. Property Damage ranges from as low as $5,000 per accident with the option of a high end of $100,000 or more. Personal Injury Protection starts as low as $15,000 per person or accident to a high of $250,000 or more (up to $250,000 for certain injuries no matter which limit is selected).
A drivers awareness of their surroundings is the first step towards defensive driving. This mental attitude gives the driver the ability to avoid accidents instead of taking a right of way into an accident with someone who is not paying attention or is intoxicated. Is it better to go through the green light without double-checking to see if the cross traffic is stopping or at least slowing down? Taking the precautions to be more certain that other drivers are doing what they are suppose to be doing is defensive driving. Avoiding a driver who is not obeying the rules of the road is better than demanding your right to the road. No one wants to be involved in an automobile accident, to be convinced of this fact, take a driver safety course before getting behind the wheel. They will show video images that will encourage anyone to be a responsible, defensive driver.
