According to State Police traffic fatality data, the frequency of pedestrian accident and bike accident fatalities in New Jersey has reached crisis proportions. 219 pedestrians and 23 bicyclists died in traffic incidents in New Jersey before the end of 2021. This was the highest number of bike and pedestrian fatalities in New Jersey since 1989 and one-third of all traffic fatalities for the year in the state.
Why Has the Number of Fatal New Jersey Crashes Risen Recently?
Although traffic volume has returned to pre-pandemic levels, the fact that fatal crashes have exceeded pre-pandemic levels is dreadfully concerning, especially given that deaths had previously been on the decline for several years running.
The increase in traffic mortality has been attributed to a number of variables, according to safety experts, including the persistence of reckless driving from the coronavirus pandemic, individuals continuing to cycle and walk, activities that increased during the epidemic, and an increase in traffic.
According to safety advocates, unsafe driving practices appear to be the norm on the road and will likely continue to contribute to the rise in fatalities in 2021. The most common offenders tend to be distracted driving, drunk driving, and speeding; regrettably, these are actions that people choose to take when operating a vehicle.
Protective measures for road users
Advocates claim that these collisions are avoidable and that authorities must take steps to safeguard everyone utilizing the road.
Advocates for safety claim that in order to reverse the recent trend of an increase in fatal car accidents in New Jersey involving pedestrians or bicycles, education and outreach to drivers are required. They further claim that many neighborhoods lack sidewalks or that those that do exist are poorly maintained. They advocate for the use of entire street designs during road reconstruction.
The “safe passing” law, which took effect in March 2022, was enacted by Governor Murphy in response to the rising number of pedestrians and cyclists killed in car accidents in New Jersey. Drivers must slow down to 25 mph or shift over one lane to pass pedestrians or cyclists if it is not safe to do so. Although it applies to other vulnerable road users, the law is identical to the move-over law for first responders.
NJDOT incorporates pedestrian safety measures into all department projects where pedestrian protections are suitable to decrease pedestrian/bicycle fatalities and serious injuries on state highways. The agency also administers a number of grant programs, including the state-financed Safe Streets to Transit program, the federally funded Safe Routes to School and Transportation Alternatives Set Aside programs, that provide support funds for enhancements to pedestrian safety. Municipalities and counties are eligible to apply for these programs.
Talk with One of Our New Jersey Personal Injury Attorneys Today
The dedicated and sympathetic New Jersey personal injury attorneys from Grossman Law Firm are ready to help your case if you lost a loved one in a fatal bicycle or pedestrian accident.
To arrange a free, confidential consultation with the Grossman Law Firm, call us at (732) 625-9494. Let’s discuss your rights and explore your legal alternatives to make sure you receive the just recompense.
