Increase in Traffic Fatalities
The New Jersey State Police recently released new preliminary data that shows an increase in traffic fatalities for the year 2016 over 2015. In 2015, there were 522 car accidents and 562 fatalities. The number of fatalities climbed to over 600 for 2016, with 607 people fatally injured in 576 crashes. The data is still being analyzed for the answer as to why the numbers rose. For many years, New Jersey experienced a general downward trend that is now reversing. From 1996 to 2013, numbers declined hitting a low of 542 fatalities.
Possible Causes for Fatal Car Accidents in New Jersey
As the economy improves, people are traveling in their cars more, and statistically the number of car accidents increases as more people are on the roads. Lower gas prices also lure individuals to drive more. Add distracted drivers to the increased volume of traffic, and this is a recipe for more collisions and fatalities. During the busiest traffic times, such as the holidays, the police make a concerted effort to increase patrols and run campaigns about seat belt use and distracted driving to remind people not to text and drive and to practice safe driving techniques. The state Division of Highway Traffic Safety is also still reviewing the new data but suspects that distracted driving, excessive speeds, and lack of seat belts may be the reason for the increased numbers of fatalities.
Statewide Statistics
Burlington County had the most fatalities in 2016 – 50 in 49 accidents. Monmouth County was a close second with 49 fatalities. Monmouth County has the largest road network statewide at 3,521 miles. Third in the state for fatalities was Middlesex County with 48. Drivers in Middlesex County travel nearly two million miles daily – the most in New Jersey. Mercer County had the greatest reduction, almost 42 percent to 21 fatalities, and there were five counties that countered the statewide trend of increased fatalities. Hudson County, Morris County, Passaic County, Somerset County, and Union County each had fewer fatalities in 2016 than in 2015. Out of the 607 total fatalities, 333 were drivers on the road, a twenty percent increase over 2015. Pedestrians accounted for 166 fatalities, a drop of four percent; 90 were passengers in vehicles, also down from 2015; and 18 were bicyclists.
New Brunswick Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Represent Victims of Traffic Fatalities
If you lost someone you love in a car accident or have been injured yourself due to someone else’s negligence, the New Brunswick car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Call us at 877-249-4600 to schedule a consultation about your case or contact us online. We represent clients throughout the state of New Jersey.
