Many think of drivers from the state as lead-footed, but that may not be the case. According to statistics, New Jersey drivers actually rank third in the country for road safety. Even though accident numbers may indicate the state is a relatively safe place to drive, accidents still happen. In most cases, these events are the result of some form of human error.
Driving in the Garden State
Car accidents happen for many reasons. Some of the most common factors that end up resulting in auto collisions include distracted driving, speeding, negligent behavior and more. In New Jersey, you may know that drivers have a reputation for acting aggressively when they get cut off or passed by another driver. However, statistics may tell a different story. Consider the following:
- In a ranking of the 50 states based on dangerous driving, New Jersey ranks 48th.
- The state has 0.73 accident fatalities for every 100 million vehicle miles driven.
- The state ranks 41st in accidents caused by speed-related accidents.
- It ranks 45th in the nation for fatalities caused by drunk driving.
There are a few reasons why it may be relatively safe to drive in New Jersey. The state has strict laws on cellphone use while driving, which may lower the chance of a distracted driving accident. It also takes longer to get a driver’s license in this state, meaning there may be fewer inexperienced drivers on the road than in other states.
What if you are in an accident?
The accident statistics indicate this is a comparatively safe place to drive, but that does not mean you may not find yourself the victim of an accident caused by a reckless or negligent driver. If you believe you suffered because of the poor choices of another person, you could have grounds to pursue compensation through a civil claim. It may be in your interests to speak about this option with an experienced attorney after an accident.