New Jersey Accident Statistics: Deaths Increasing, But Total Number of Crashes Decreasing
In 2015, officials reported that there were more than 270,000 motor vehicle accidents in the state of New Jersey. The data was compiled from individual police departments.
Although the number of deaths and injuries in New Jersey accidents is on the rise, the overall number of motor vehicle accidents reported in the state is declining.
In 2011, there were more than 293,000 motor vehicle accidents, which is 8 percent higher than 2015 numbers.
Interestingly, though accident numbers for the entire state decreased, some counties actually saw higher accident rates in 2015.
Essex, Hunterdon, and Cumberland counties reported an increased number of accidents as compared to years past. Injuries and deaths, which declined from 2011 to 2013, began to creep up in 2014 and 2015. Though injuries decreased 6 percent from 2011 to 2015, they increased by 2 percent from 2014 to 2015. The number of deaths reported in accidents dropped 3 percent between 2011 and 2015; however, they began to increase yet again from 2014 to 2015—by 7 percent.
Of course, there are significant differences between cities and counties that may explain the varying accident rates. Even when adjusting for population, towns and cities that were located closer to New York or along Interstate 95 reported higher accident rates in 2015.
The highest accident rates in the state were in Union Township, Lawrence Township, and Springfield Township.
As for the state’s larger cities, Newark reported 1,500 more accidents in 2015 than it did in 2011—an 18 percent increase. In Linden, crashes increased by 27 percent, and in Jersey City, they increased by 6 percent.
In the southern part of the state, some of the most significant increases in crashes were reported. In 2016, legislation was introduced to try to curb the incidence of accidents along Route 47 and 55. Some have suggested making major changes to the highway, although some environmental groups are pushing back.
The increase in crashes in some areas is also blamed on technology. Some argue that too many drivers are using cell phones or are otherwise distracted while driving. Texting is one of the most dangerous habits drivers can have, as it is a cognitive, visual, and manual distraction. Drivers must think about the messages they are reading or want to send; they must take their eyes off the road to send and read messages; and they must take their hands off the wheel to type messages.
Preliminary data that examines 2016 trends is not promising, either. Officials report 607 deaths, an 8 percent increase from 2015.
If you were injured in an accident, contact Lomurro Law
At Lomurro Law, our accident attorneys proudly represent clients throughout New Jersey. We have offices in Freehold and New Brunswick to meet all your legal needs. To schedule your free consultation to discuss your accident or personal injury claim, call 732-482-9285 or contact us online.