New Jersey Sees 15 Percent Surge in Traffic Deaths from 2015 to 2017

Traffic fatalities topped 40,000 deaths in 2017 for the second year in a row. Many people sustain serious or fatal injuries in accidents caused by drunk drivers, careless drivers and drivers who are distracted.

The recent trend in higher road fatalities marks a reversal after years of declining fatalities. According to the National Safety Council (NSC):

• In 2016, fatalities on American roads totaled 40,327 – a seven percent increase from 2015 and the first time that road fatalities have exceeded 40,000 victims since 2007. The total in 2016 was 7 percent higher than 2015, marking the steepest two-year increase in decades.
• In 2017, the NSC’s preliminary estimate indicates that the number of fatalities will top 40,000 for a second year.

The problem isn’t just happening in other parts of the country. Fatalities and injuries are common on the roads in New Jersey and New York. Traffic deaths in New Jersey increased 15 percent from 2015 to 2017, according to the NSC.

• In 2017, New Jersey suffered 638 deaths – a 5 percent increase from 2016.
• Essex County suffered 46 fatalities, while Hudson County suffered 24.
• New York City alone saw 229 deaths that year.

Keep Yourself Safe on the Road

Many of the deaths and injuries on New Jersey and New York roadways are preventable. Unrestrained passengers and speed are factors in many fatal accidents. Safety devices such as airbags and seat belts can save lives. The best way to protect yourself and those you love is by driving safely.

• If your car becomes disabled in a dangerous spot, never stand behind or in front of it. Activate your emergency flashers and safely exit the vehicle immediately.
• When you’re driving, don’t rush. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination. Driving over the speed limit or running red lights won’t get you there faster, but it will put you and others on the road at risk.
• Adjust your speed for traffic and weather conditions including, rain, snow, and periods of reduced visibility. Many drivers don’t slow down even when they should. If you have to travel in bad weather or at night, allow more time and go an appropriate speed.
• Don’t follow too closely. In rear-end collisions, the person who was tailgating is nearly always responsible for the accident. Leave at least three seconds between you and the car in front.
• Don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking or using drugs. There’s no excuse for drinking and driving. With taxis, ridesharing, and public transportation, there are plenty of ways to get around without risking lives.

We Serve New Jersey and New York

Representing the families in death cases take a certain amount of compassion, understanding and legal skill because of the tricky laws pertaining to Wrongful Death and Survivorship Claims.  Quite often there are family issues, legal issues arising under probate or a will, financial issues, mixed families from divorce and separation, outstanding medical bills, funeral expenses, and insurance issues. Often it is necessary to hire the services of a skilled accident reconstruction expert because the best witness is no longer here to testify as to the cause and events leading up to the tragedy.

Serious traffic accidents are painful experiences that can leave victims and their families devastated. At Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. we understand the ordeal that accident victims face to get their lives back on track. If you have been injured through another driver’s negligence, we want to help. Our lawyers have years of experience handling complex traffic accident claims. We’ll fight for you to help you recover.

We serve communities throughout New Jersey including Newark and Jersey City. We also serve those living in the New York City area. If you or someone you love has suffered from a car accident, contact us today at 1-800-LAW-2000 for a free consultation about your case.