Another layer of New York's effective way of keeping teen drivers is TEENS (Teen Electronic Event Notification Service). This handy service is free, voluntary and offered by the state’s DMV for parents or guardians of teen drivers who are minors.

The service can be easily applied for via personal visit, mail, or online when the teen driver applies for a driver permit or non-driver ID. (http://www.dmv.ny.gov/mydmv.htm)

How it works is, whenever that teen driver is involved in a vehicular crash, a moving traffic violation or suspension/revocation of permit, the parent or guardian will receive notification by mail or opt-in for email.

Currently, this service has more than 12,700 enrollees statewide, and helps parents or guardians monitor their teen's driving habits. This is among many of the offerings that the state of New York brings to keep teen drivers safe, and parents sleeping soundly.

Learn more about driver safety and defensive driving courses at www.NewYorkDefensiveDrivingNow.com.

Labels: driver, permit, teen driver safety, teen drivers, teens, traffic violation, vehicular crash

On November 22, 2010 camera enforcement began for the 1st and 2nd avenue bus lanes. The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) anticipate the bus lane camera enforcement will expedite travel for an estimated 54,000 daily riders of the M15.

The objective of the bus lane cameras is to speed transit by deterring unauthorized use of the bus lanes. Vehicles are permitted to enter the bus lane in order to make the next available right turn. Vehicles may also enter the bus lane to quickly drop off or pick up passengers. Unauthorized use of the bus lanes will be subject to a $115 fine.

There are five active cameras along 1st and 2nd avenues. Additional cameras will be installed in the upcoming months. The NYC DOT will view the camera footage and issue a $115 Notice of Liability to the owner’s of vehicles improperly traveling in the bus lanes.

The DOT has already planned to install cameras on 34th street in Manhattan and on Fordham Road in the Bronx in 2011. Currently, the NYC DOT uses cameras on 34th street, Lexington Avenue, and Broadway to monitor taxi drivers who disobey bus lane rules. Taxi medallion owners are issued summons which are adjudicated by the Taxi and Limousine Commission.

Labels: bus lane, passenger safety, traffic cameras, traffic violation