New Jersey highway signs

Common Causes of Car Accidents in New Jersey

By Greg Kohn
Partner

According to the NJ Department of Transportation, New Jersey has experienced nearly 1,800 fatal car accidents in a recent three-year period. Let’s explore some of the most common causes of these accidents, both fatal and otherwise, how you can avoid the risks of being in one, and what you can do if someone causes a wreck that injures you. 

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents and causes thousands of accidents annually across the country. With the rise of smartphones and various car computer systems, such as GPS systems and entertainment consoles, there are more distractions than ever when driving a car. Simply taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds can reduce your reaction time enough that you won’t be able to stop or turn out of the way of an accident. 

Speeding

Many people think that speeding helps them save time, but it actually doesn’t and instead just increases the risk of an accident. According to one new report, speeding is a factor in up to 28 percent of accidents in New Jersey. Drivers in speeding-related car accidents tend to be young and male. Impact force in a car accident is proportional to the car’s speed squared, so even minor speed increases can exponentially increase the collision forces during an accident. 

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is another major cause of accidents in New Jersey. Drunk driving accidents in New Jersey have been increasing in recent years. New Jersey sees an average of 26,5000 DUI convictions each year, and almost a third of all motor vehicle accidents in the state involve alcohol in some capacity. 

Tailgating

Tailgating, or following too closely, is a classic aggressive driving behavior that routinely causes rear-end collisions. Drivers might tailgate if they lose their temper on the road, or they might follow too closely when not paying attention. Tailgating is also common in heavy traffic, where drivers might be in a hurry. 

Bad Weather

New Jersey receives a lot of rain and snow annually, both of which can contribute to accidents. Inclement weather reduces visibility and awareness, and poor road conditions mean drivers lose control more easily. Ice can cause your car to slide when braking or lose traction when making a sharp turn. 

How to Reduce the Risk of a Car Accident

Below are some simple ways you can reduce the likelihood of being in a serious accident:

  • Don’t text and drive. Texting and driving is not only dangerous but illegal in New Jersey and can incur fines and penalties. 
  • Drive defensively. Be aware of other drivers on the road and give them a wide berth, especially when driving at night or in low-light conditions. 
  • Never drink and drive. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment and reduce reaction times enough to increase accident chances significantly. 
  • Slow down during bad weather. You should always drive an appreciable amount underneath the posted speed limit when it is raining or snowing. 
  • Don’t follow too closely. You should keep at least three seconds of space between you and any vehicles in front of you. 

Car Accident Representation in New Jersey

Unfortunately, no amount of caution on your part can protect you entirely from the carelessness of others. If you have suffered an injury in a car accident, get in touch with the attorneys at Nagel Rice, LLP, immediately. We can help you file a claim to pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call today to speak to a car accident attorney serving New Jersey.

About the Author
Greg Kohn is a partner at Nagel Rice and specializes in complex civil litigation cases, including professional malpractice, personal injury, class actions, wrongful death, products liability, and commercial litigation.  He has extensive experience representing clients in both state and federal court. Greg has tried many jury trials to verdict and has recovered over $50 million in settlements and verdicts in all types of personal injury matters including automobile accidents, wrongful death cases, slip and falls, and other catastrophic injury cases. Greg also handles medical malpractice cases, involving misdiagnoses, wrongful birth, and delayed cancer diagnosis. If you have questions regarding this article, you can contact Greg here.