How Bad Distracted Driving is in New Jersey
Cell phones. Radios. Passengers. Pets. Driving comes with so many distractions nowadays. It is so hard to pay attention to the road when you have a dog moving around the vehicle, children screaming in the backseat, and your spouse texting you every minute.
Driving requires a driver’s full attention at all times, but let’s face it: that rarely happens. We are all trying to multitask in today’s busy world that trying to focus on just one thing is not commonly heard of anymore.
But this multitasking is causing serious accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,308 people lost their lives to distracted driving in 2022. Experts say that the growing addiction to cell phones remains one of the leading causes behind this troubling trend.
A 2024 study by a law firm examined the latest distracted driving data across the United States, pulling figures from NHTSA and other federal sources. Their Distracted Driving in America Report revealed alarming findings: each day, an average of nine people die in crashes linked to distracted driving. The report also noted that 42% of these accidents involve drivers between the ages of 20 and 39, which is a demographic heavily reliant on mobile technology.
So how does New Jersey compare to other states? Unfortunately, not well. The research ranked New Jersey as the fifth-worst state for distracted driving, with such behavior accounting for 26.72% of all traffic fatalities in the state.
Even more concerning, New Jersey is the only Northeastern state to appear in the top 10 for distracted driving fatalities. This means the issue cannot be dismissed as a regional anomaly. It is a serious statewide problem that reflects a broader national crisis.
The Garden State ranks at #5 for distracted driving. Here is the rest of the top 10:
- New Mexico
2. Kansas
3. Louisiana
4. Kentucky
5. New Jersey
6. Hawaii
7. Idaho
8. Texas
9. Wyoming
10. Washington
How to Prevent Distracted Driving
Here are some effective ways to reduce distractions and stay safe behind the wheel:
- Put your phone away. Silence notifications and store your phone out of reach so you are not tempted to check messages or social media.
- Use hands-free technology wisely. If you must take calls, use Bluetooth or voice commands, but remember that mental distraction can still occur.
- Set up before driving. Enter your destination into GPS, adjust mirrors, and select your music before putting the car in gear.
- Avoid multitasking. Eating, grooming, or reaching for objects can take your focus off the road. Finish these activities before your trip.
- Pull over safely. If you need to deal with an urgent matter, find a safe place to stop.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Driving needs to be done with no distractions. Drivers need to pay attention to the road at all times. When they fail to do so, accidents can occur.
In a crash? Get the help you need from a Morristown distracted driving accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff. We understand the processes and will help you work toward physical and financial recovery. To schedule a consultation with our office, fill out the online form or call (973) 455-1567.
Source:
973espn.com/distracted-driving-new-jersey-research/
