Driving on Route 130, also known as the “Indy 500,” can be treacherous from the Airport Circle through Pennsauken, Cinnaminson and Delran with drivers switching lanes at high speeds to beat the next traffic light even as it turns yellow.
It can be even more daunting for older drivers, startled by loud, souped-up cars and trucks flying down the tight, three-lane highway and motorcyclists and e-bike riders creating their own lanes between the vehicles.
Middle of the road drivers are often frightened and grip the steering wheel even tighter when being passed simultaneously on both sides by cars traveling easily 25 mph over the speed limit.
In an effort to help motorists over 50 years old learn how to cope better with the driving challenges in the new millennium, the American Association of Retired People (AARP) sponsored a six-hour Smart Driver course on Saturday, July 25, at the Cinnaminson Township Municipal Building.
“The one-day classroom course is a great opportunity to brush up on today’s driving rules, build confidence behind the wheel and learn ways to keep yourself and your loved ones safe on the road,” according to the AARP. Upon completion, course participants may be able to receive an auto insurance discount. “Whether it’s been years since driver’s education or you’re simply looking for a refresher, this course is for you.”
Using video presentations and the course guidebook, volunteer teacher Dave Levay explained the history of rules and regulations for drivers and told the 12 attendees about new state laws, including for e-bikes on the road.
“The first stop sign was used in 1911,” said Levay, adding that the first combined green, yellow and red traffic lights were invented by Detroit police officer William Potts and installed in December 1920.
Mile per hour speed limits were established by individual states, the highest being in Montana at 80 mph, Levay said. “The first state to require wearing seat belts was New York in 1984.”
Route 130 has a cement wall “known as the Jersey Barrier” separating the northbound and southbound traffic. Other highways have double yellow lines separating the traffic flows.
A solid white line means do not pass, he said. “Don’t switch lanes in the Holland Tunnel.”
Other highways have restricted HOV car pool lanes for vehicles with two or more people. “Mannequins don’t count,” Levay said, causing the participants to chuckle.
On a more serious note, he warned drivers to be very careful while navigating road construction areas. “Don’t be the driver who goes to the last cone” to merge into the other lane. Penalties are increased in the construction zone because of the need for worker safety.
Between 2020 and 2024 there have been 50 fatal crashes that have occurred in work zones on New Jersey highways.
The AARP Smart Driver course is a specialized defensive driving refresher program that helps participants update their driving skills and understand age-related physical changes. Key topics include compensating for changes in vision, hearing and reaction times.
Levay also discussed safe techniques for roundabouts and right-of ways, adding that “left turns at intersections are very dangerous.”
As for burgeoning vehicle technology, he talked about the proper use of modern anti-lock brakes, safety belts, airbags and advanced driver-assistance systems. Other topics include the effects of taking medication on driving and how to reduce driver distractions.
Each person received a comprehensive guidebook and a review of the “rules of road.” AARP’s Driver Safety mission “is to help keep older drivers independent, safe, healthy and confident while on the road.”
The participants all seemed to enjoy the class, and hopefully left feeling better about their driving the next time they traveled down the always busy and sometimes scary Route 130 speedway.
