Auto Accident Statistics for New Jersey:  2000 - Present

In order to avoid a bad situation, it is extremely helpful to understand the underlying factors of such a situation. Case in point, while there are too many random factors that come together to cause an auto accident to be able to predict such accidents, if the average driver understood the basic common threads among auto accident statistics then the ability to limited the potential for being involved in a car accident is possible. Thankfully, for those living in New Jersey, NJDOT keeps an accurate record of auto accident statistics dating back over a decade.

From 2000 – 2004 the number of traffic accidents increased significantly. (Specifically, in 2000, there were 275,557 crashes and, in 2003, there were 283,627 crashes. Then, in 2006 the number dropped down to 255,425. This is a significant drop but the total number of crashes later rose to 263,525 in 2007. This is, however, less than the total number of crashes which occurred in 2000. Granted, while it is positive to note that the number of car crashes in the Garden State has declined, an average of 255,000+ crashes per year is incredibly high. This would indicate driving in New Jersey is significantly more dangerous than other states.

The number of fatalities that occurred in these crashes, however, has always remained relatively low in comparison to the sheer volume of accidents that have taken place. From 2000 – 2007, the highest number of fatalities was 678 in 2005 and the lowest number of fatalities was 639 in 2000. Again, the odds of a fatality occurring in a car accident in New Jersey are quite low. However, the odds of an injury occurring are much higher.

Specifically, it would appear 20 -25% of all car accidents in New Jersey result in an injury. However, the exact numbers of injuries has declined consistently year after year. In 2000, the number of injuries was 79,169. In the year 2007, the total number of injuries was 65,857. This is a fairly significant decline and there were no years between 2000 and 2007 that saw injuries increase. This may seem somewhat odd considering that the number of accidents increased. So, we must conclude by the figures that the inclusion of mandatory seatbelt laws and the proliferation of airbags have decreased injuries.

Property damage stats between 2000 and 2007 are somewhat less encouraging. In the year 2000, the number of accidents causing property damage was at 195,749. This number increased to 206,351 in 2003. In 2007, this number then dropped down to 197,023. When one compares these figures to the total number of crashes that occur, the end result is shocking: virtually all car accidents in New Jersey result in property damage.

All of this information provides much food for thought. Mainly, one needs to be very vigilant when driving in New Jersey and be very wary of other drivers on the road. Also, it is critical to not commit any moving violations and to make sure one’s car is completely operational. New Jersey is a dangerous state to drive in. That is why it is critical to not increase the level of danger present.