NCJ Number
205017
Date Published
2003
Length
45 pages
Annotation
This report by the New Jersey State Police presents statistics on fatal motor vehicle accidents in the State for 2002, with attention to the causes and results of such accidents.
Abstract
There were 699 fatal crashes that involved 771 fatalities. This constituted an increase of 22 fatal accidents and 31 fatalities from the previous year. Of these fatalities, 26.9 percent had consumed some amount of alcohol. Of all drivers, 11.2 percent were legally intoxicated. Fifty-three of the fatal accidents involved motorcycles, and pedalcyclists accounted for 15 fatal accidents. The pedestrian death toll was 176. Of the total number of fatal accidents, 37 involved hit-and-run. Of the 1,087 drivers identified, 47 New Jersey drivers and 4 out-of-State drivers had suspended licenses; 37 drivers had no valid drivers license. Straight roads were involved in 57.6 percent of all the fatal accidents, and 85 percent occurred during clear weather conditions. Of the known drivers involved in the fatal accidents, 72.6 percent were males, and 60.9 percent of the vehicles involved in the accidents were passenger cars. A total of 44 tractor-trailers were involved in 39 fatal accidents that resulted in 46 fatalities. Drivers in the age group of 17 through 20 were involved in 117 accidents with 123 drivers; 15 of these drivers were legally drunk. For each year from 1998 through 2002, this report indicates the number of drivers that were engaged in various driving actions at the time of the fatal accident, as well as what pedestrians were doing. Similar information is provided on contributing circumstances. Data are presented by county, municipality, date, time, and location. Extensive tables