Cherry Hill Car Accident Lawyers: Fatal Car Accidents Spike in New Jersey

After a 20-year decline, the New Jersey State Police have released data indicating an overall rise in the rate of fatal car accidents, beginning in 2013. Moreover, initial reports for 2016 show a single year spike of eight percent. The reports are prompting safety officials to question the reason for the disturbing trend.

State traffic department officials note that part of the reason could be attributed to the improved economy. With lower gas prices and a higher employment rate, people are driving more. Data collected by the State Department of Transportation (DOT) supports this theory. The DOT estimated that in 2007, just before the Great Recession, people traveled 208.4 million miles on New Jersey highways. After dropping for years, that figure again reached 207 million miles in 2015. More driving means more cars on the road and a greater potential for wrecks.

Other Possible Causes

NJ State Police representatives offer another likely reason for the increase in deadly car accidents on New Jersey highways. Troopers note more distracted drivers behind the wheel. Multi-tasking, it seems, is no longer restricted to the office. Distractions reported by officers include:

• Texting while driving
• Using social media while driving
• Eating
• Changing radio stations
• Putting on makeup
• Other activities

Gary Poedubicky, the acting director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety believes excessive speed, cell phone use, and failure to use seat belts have contributed to the increase in highway deaths. His division has yet to complete their analysis of the data, which will provide a more complete picture of the factors contributing to the rise in fatal crashes.

Numerous nationwide studies indicate driver error is the single largest factor in all car accidents. Drivers who engage in careless or reckless behavior behind the wheel are a danger to everyone with whom they share the road. Fortunately, the law allows victims and their families affected by negligent drivers to recover compensation by filing a personal injury claim.

Cherry Hill Car Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Help Victims of Negligent Drivers

When someone you love has been injured or died in crash in New Jersey because another driver was distracted behind the wheel, you need help. Cherry Hill car accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law help the victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident. Call 856-414-0010 or 215-426-4493 or complete our online form to schedule a free initial consultation.

With offices in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Center City Philadelphia, we represent victims of negligent drivers throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania including Philadelphia County, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, Camden County, Burlington County, Salem County, Gloucester County, Cumberland County, and Atlantic County.