Auto accidents remain the number one cause of accidental deaths nationwide, and New Jersey is no exception. Auto accidents like car, truck and pedestrian accidents often result in deaths and serious injuries throughout the State of New Jersey.
Practicing safe and defensive driving at all times can greatly decrease the risk of getting into a car accident. This is especially true for beginners and teens. Knowing what the top causes of auto accident fatalities are can help decrease accidents.
More: NJ Intersection Car Accidents – How to Prove the Other Driver was at Fault
Top Causes of Auto Accidents in New Jersey
Some of the top causes of auto accidents in New Jersey include:
- distracted driving,
- traffic violations (speeding, failing to observe traffic signals, etc.),
- DUI/DWI.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving in New Jersey is a major problem and usually includes behavior which takes the driver’s attention from the road. Common types of distracted driving include:
- using a cell phone,
- talking to a passenger,
- changing the radio/CD, and
- eating/drinking.
Despite the fact that New Jersey has adopted a complete ban on all cell phone use when driving except in cases of emergency or while using a hands-free device, cell phone related auto accidents continue to occur in the state. In addition, many drivers don’t realize that distracted driving not only increases the chances of causing an auto accident, but it decreases the ability to practice defensive driving. Basically, doing anything which takes attention from the road greatly decreases a driver’s ability to respond to roadway hazards.
For instance, a driver is approaching a busy intersection in Mount Holly, NJ and is using his cell phone to read emails. Another driver approaching from the opposite direction is attempting to turn left at the intersection. That driver miscalculates speed and begins to navigate the turn too soon. The first driver who is using his cell phone fails to notice that the other driver is turning. They collide and both suffer injuries. Here, the accident was completely preventable. If the first driver had put his cell phone down, it’s highly likely he could have avoided the accident by practicing safe and defensive driving.
Traffic Violations
Traffic violations are another major cause of auto accidents in New Jersey. Speeding, failing to obey a traffic control device, pedestrian violations, failing to yield the right of way, etc.
The table below shows the top contributing factors for fatal auto accidents in New Jersey in 2013.
| Type of Traffic Violation | Fatalities |
| Unsafe Speed | 82 |
| Failed to Obey Traffic Control | 40 |
| Pedestrian Violations | 101 |
| Failed to Yield Right of Way | 51 |
Source: NJ Department of Transportation, Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash Report 2013
Alcohol or Impaired Driving (DUI/DWI)
According to the NJ Department of Transportation, impaired driving accounts for about a third (over 30%) of fatal car accidents each year. This includes drivers under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs and prescription drugs.
Legal Rights for New Jersey Auto Accident Injuries
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in New Jersey, you may have legal rights to compensation. You may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver and receive compensation for your pain and suffering. Call our office to learn more. 856.983.8695
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