NJ Driving Tips: How to Drive the Garden State Parkway

Many people have complained about the state and the drivers that live there. New Jersey has become a punch line in many jokes from late night comedians such as Jay Leno and Conan O' Brian. The Garden state is a beautiful one. The only problem is when people fly into the state they come into Newark International Airport, where there is nothing but factories, oil refineries, and chemical plants. If people were to venture up north where there are beautiful parks, mountains, lakes and breathtaking views, or down south to the Jersey Shore perhaps their opinion would change.

One obstacle that many face is the Garden State Parkway. Known for its lead foot drivers, tailgaters, and road rage. The parkway runs along the eastern side of New Jersey, the New Jersey Turnpike is its counterpart towards the west portion. It can be very scary for new comers and locals alike. The problem is that there is no guidelines, no tips to how to drive. I will attempt to tackle the issue.

The first issue is the on ramp many people believe that they will receive their own lane upon entering the parkway. This is not the case. As soon as you approach the parkway via the on ramp you are already merging with oncoming parkway traffic in the righter most lane. People need to realize that once they are approaching the parkway, they should do so at the speed limit of the parkway and not assume that a kind driver will allow them to slowly jump in front of them. It simply will not happen. So my tip is to do what you were taught in driving school, or at least should have learned. Use your mirrors and know who is on your left side and behind you, accelerate and be careful. I must warn all that you will be cut off even on the on ramp to the parkway if you do not know the proper approach to doing so.