Distracted Driving a Top Factor in Many NJ Fatal Car Crashes

Earlier this week, NJ.com had released a map showing where the most fatal car accidents in New Jersey were this year. Although the numbers have decreased over the last two decades, Middlesex and Essex counties were among the highest in the state. According to the article, one of the top contributing factors for these fatal accidents in the past five years was distracted driving.

It’s a fact that drivers are easily distracted these days. According to the US government website Distraction.gov, 421,000 people were injured and 3,328 people died as a result of distracted driving. The age group most affected are drivers in their 20s – the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had found that 27 percent of distracted drivers in fatal crashes were in their 20s in 2011.

Distracted driving is not just cell phone use, though this is most distracted activity you can do while driving. It can be anything from talking to passengers, fiddling with the radio, eating behind the wheel, or even using your GPS. So how can you prevent driving distraction-free? Here are some tips to keep in mind from AAA:

• Keep your eyes on the road at all times. Do not divert your attention at all.
• Don’t eat while driving. Leave the snacking outside the car.
• Make your adjustments before starting the car. Check your GPS for the route, make sure the mirrors and climate controls are properly adjusted.
• Ignore the phone. In New Jersey, it is illegal to text or use your cell phone. Unless you have a hands-free device, it can wait until you get there.
• Make sure your children or pets are secure before driving. If they do need your attention, pull over to the side of the road to take care of the problem.

Have you gotten into a car accident and need legal assistance? For 26 years, the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone has been fighting for our clients’ rights in the courtroom. Contact us today for a free consultation.