Stop and Secure the Scene
Immediately stop your vehicle without obstructing traffic. Activate hazard lights to alert other drivers, ensuring safety at the accident scene.
New Jersey Car Crash Statistics
New Jersey, known for its dense population and extensive road network, faces unique challenges when it comes to road safety. The state's roads, including major highways such as the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, see a significant amount of traffic, contributing to the risk of car crashes. According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, crash statistics are meticulously recorded, highlighting the impact of traffic collisions across the state. Notably, New Jersey has a relatively low percentage of crash deaths on rural roads compared to other states, indicating that most traffic-related incidents occur in more urbanized areas.
A primary cause of fatal crashes in New Jersey has been identified as intoxication from alcohol and drugs, reflecting a nationwide issue of impaired driving leading to increased risks on the road. The New Jersey State Police provides detailed statistics on fatal crashes by county, offering insight into the areas most affected by such tragedies. These statistics, regularly updated, serve as a crucial tool for understanding the dynamics of road safety and for implementing measures to reduce the incidence of fatal car accidents.
Fatal Crashes
669
Deaths
699
Deaths per 100,000 population
7.5
Deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
0.95
Crash Types
699
Single-vehicle
415
Multiple-vehicle
284
Alcohol Involvement
260killed
Drivers killed with known BAC results
228
Estimated drivers killed with BACs ≥ 0.08
72
Deaths by Road User
Rural vs. Urban Crashes
A primary cause of fatal crashes in New Jersey has been identified as intoxication from alcohol and drugs, reflecting a nationwide issue of impaired driving leading to increased risks on the road. The New Jersey State Police provides detailed statistics on fatal crashes by county, offering insight into the areas most affected by such tragedies. These statistics, regularly updated, serve as a crucial tool for understanding the dynamics of road safety and for implementing measures to reduce the incidence of fatal car accidents.
Number of Fatal Crashes
Number of Serious Injury Crashes
Top 5 Most Dangerous Roads in New Jersey
Here's a summary of the top 5 most dangerous roads in New Jersey
95
21 Fatalities/year
1
18 Fatalities/year
130
12 Fatalities/year
35
11 Fatalities/year
444
12 Fatalities/year
Key Car Crash Statistics in New Jersey
- In 2021, there were 667 fatal crashes resulting in 697 fatalities, representing an 18.7% increase in total fatalities from 2020. The rate of fatalities per 100,000 people was 2.37 in 2021
- From 2017 to 2021, more than half of all crashes in New Jersey were attributed to speed, distracted driving, and/or impaired driving.
- Distracted driving is a significant issue in New Jersey, accounting for nearly 20% of all fatal crashes in 2021.
- Motorcycle fatalities reached a peak in 2021 with 98 fatalities, surpassing the previous high of 90 in 2006.
- Rear-end accidents are the most common type of accident on municipal or county roads, constituting approximately 23% of total accidents.
- Distracted driving is particularly concerning in New Jersey, with 1,391 crashes involving cellphone usage in 2020, including 479 injuries and one fatality.
- Alcohol-related crashes remained a concern in 2021, with 165 alcohol-related traffic fatalities.
- Teenage drivers (ages 16–20) saw a 20% increase in fatalities in 2021, with 77 involved drivers.
- Fatal crashes decreased by 9.4%, from 646 in 2022 to 585 in 2023.
- Total fatalities decreased by 10.4%, from 689 in 2022 to 617 in 2023.
- Motor vehicle passenger deaths decreased by 16.5% from 2022 to 2023.
- Driver fatalities decreased from 379 to 322 from 2022 to 2023.
- Fourteen counties saw a decline in fatalities, with some experiencing drops of 30% or more.
- Middlesex County had the highest number of traffic fatalities in 2023, with 64 fatalities.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in New Jersey?
After a car accident in New Jersey, it's crucial to follow specific steps to ensure your safety and comply with state laws:
1
2
Check for Injuries and Call for Help
Assess for any injuries to yourself or others. Call 911 to report the accident, especially if there are injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage. This step is crucial for legal and insurance purposes.
3
Exchange Information
Share and collect essential details with all parties involved in the collision, including names, addresses, driver's license numbers, vehicle registration details, and auto insurance information. This information is vital for the claims process.
4
Document the Accident
Take photographs and notes about the accident scene, including vehicle damages, the position of cars, traffic signs, and road conditions. This documentation can be critical for insurance claims and legal matters.
5
Notify the Police if Required
New Jersey law mandates reporting any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage over $500. If law enforcement doesn't respond to the scene, you're obligated to send a detailed report to the local Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) Agency within 10 days.
6
Report the Accident to the New Jersey MVC
If a police report was not filed and there was property damage, you need to inform the MVC. This is essential if the accident resulted in property damage and no law enforcement report was made at the scene.
7
Notify Your Insurance Company
Informing your insurer promptly after an accident is crucial. Provide them with the gathered information, but consult with a legal professional before making detailed statements or admitting fault.
8
Seek Medical Attention
The pain of certain injuries may not manifest immediately, so you should seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Visiting a doctor after an accident can ensure any hidden injuries are treated and documented, which is important for health and any potential insurance claims.
9
Consider Legal Advice
Depending on the accident's complexity and outcomes, consulting with an attorney can help protect your rights and guide you through the insurance and legal processes.
New Jersey Driving Laws and Facts
New Jersey has established comprehensive driving laws to enhance road safety. Here’s a summary of key New Jersey driving laws and facts that are crucial for both residents and visitors:
Speed Limits
New Jersey's speed limits vary depending on the area, including 25 mph in school zones, business, or residential districts; 35 mph in certain low-density business and residential districts; 50 mph on other roadways; 55 mph on certain state highways and all interstates; and 65 mph on specified state highways. Drivers are expected to adjust their speed based on road conditions, even if it means driving below these limits.
License and Permits
New Jersey mandates new residents to acquire a New Jersey driver's license within 60 days of residency. The state also follows the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for new drivers, including specific requirements for young drivers to progress through a series of permits and licenses.
Seat Belts and Safety Seats
Seat belt use is mandatory for all vehicle occupants. New Jersey law requires children under eight years old or under 57 inches tall to use an appropriate child safety seat or booster seat. The specifics of the child restraint law depend on the child's age, weight, and height.
Right of Way
Drivers must yield the right of way to prevent accidents, especially to postal vehicles reentering traffic and pedestrians in crosswalks. New Jersey has unique rules for weave lanes on expressways, dictating that drivers entering the expressway must yield to those exiting.
School Buses
Motorists are required to stop at least 25 feet away from a school bus that is picking up or dropping off children and has its red lights flashing.
General Rules
New Jersey prohibits driving with forward-moving backup lights on and sets regulations for window tinting. There's also a requirement to remove all snow and ice from a vehicle before driving. Idling is restricted to less than three minutes to reduce pollution.
Distracted Driving Laws
New Jersey prohibits all forms of distracted driving, including the use of handheld cellphones and texting while driving. The state has implemented strict laws to combat distracted driving, emphasizing the use of hands-free devices. Exceptions exist for emergency situations where the driver's safety is at risk.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Laws
Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal. New Jersey enforces strict penalties for DUI offenses, reflecting the state's commitment to preventing impaired driving.
Reporting Accidents
In case of an accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500, drivers must report the incident to the police. If law enforcement is not present at the scene, and there's only property damage, the incident must be reported to the local MVC agency within 10 days.
New Jersey Weird Traffic Laws
New Jersey maintains some strange laws drivers aren’t likely to find in other states.
- Honking Before Passing: New Jersey law, established in 1928, mandates that all motorists must honk their horns before overtaking and passing another vehicle, including cars, bicyclists, skaters, and skateboarders.
- Prohibition on Personalized License Plates for DUI Convicts: If you've been convicted of driving while intoxicated in New Jersey, you're permanently barred from applying for personalized license plates.
- Mandatory Full-Service Gas Stations: Unlike the rest of the United States, New Jersey prohibits self-service gas stations. Since 1949, the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act has required all fuel to be pumped by station attendants, a rule put in place for safety reasons.
- Sunday Car Sales Ban: It's illegal for car dealerships to conduct business on Sundays in New Jersey. This law, grounded in respecting the Sabbath day for some and providing a day of rest for others, carries penalties for those who attempt to sell, buy, or exchange motor vehicles on this day.