The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released fact sheets about distracted driving and the costs of fatal car accidents in all 50 states. Motorists in New Jersey and Pennsylvania should pay special attention to these sheets as they provide accident prevention measures, explain the costs of fatal accidents, and outline issues that parents and young drivers should be aware of.
How Deadly is Distracted Driving?
In 2018, 2,841 people were killed in distracted driving accidents in the United States. In order to prevent distracted driving, states, such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania, have banned texting and driving.
Pennsylvania allows drivers to hold a cellphone to complete a phone call, but for no other purpose, such as texting. New Jersey requires drivers to keep their phones in hands-free mode for phone calls, navigation, or speech-to-text replies for text messages and emails.
How Should New Drivers be Trained, Licensed, and Monitored?
The CDC has noted steps to reduce distracted driving accidents and fatal crashes, especially among new drivers. A recommended program for new drivers includes:
- It is required that a new driver holds their learner’s permits for at least one year before obtaining a full driver’s license.
- Keeping nighttime driving restrictions in place until drivers reach at least 18 years old.
- Restricting young passengers who can be in the car with new drivers.
How Costly are Fatal Accidents in New Jersey?
Fatal accidents in New Jersey caused nine million in medical costs and $789 million in lost productivity in 2018. In just one year, 580 people were killed in fatal car crashes. Some important facts include:
- Vehicle occupants represent 59 percent of fatalities.
- Bicyclists make up three percent of all fatalities.
- Motorcyclists represent 12 percent of accident deaths.
- Pedestrians account for 26 percent of accident deaths.
Since vehicle occupants were the most affected by fatal crashes, it is no surprise that young adults and teenagers accounted for a total of $380 million in losses. Young adults are often inexperienced and rush to get to their destinations. Teenagers are new drivers who simply do not have adequate experience.
Are Fatal Accidents in Pennsylvania More Costly Than Collisions in New Jersey?
In 2018, fatal car accidents caused $17 million in medical costs and $1.78 billion in lost productivity in Pennsylvania. While Pennsylvania is much larger and more populous than New Jersey, this statistic points to an alarming loss of life and work in the state. Pennsylvania lost more than 1,200 people in just one year.
Similar to New Jersey, young adults and teenagers accounted for more than 50 percent of all losses in fatal accidents. Young adults may be more prepared for driving in the future as new permit and license rules become more stringent.
If one is injured in a distracted driving accident, a lawyer can help them with a personal injury claim.
Oakhurst Car Accident Lawyers at the Falcon Law Firm, LLC Assist Distracted Driving Accident Victims
If you have injuries from a distracted driving accident, contact one of our Oakhurst car accident lawyers at the Falcon Law Firm, LLC today. We will fight for your rights and help you recover compensation where applicable. Call us at 732-454-3306 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Oakhurst, Parlin, and Aberdeen, New Jersey, and Doylestown, Pennsylvania, we assist clients throughout Asbury Park, Belmar, Deal, Ocean Township, Point Pleasant, Long Branch, West Long Branch, Sayreville, Middlesex County, and Monmouth County, New Jersey, as well as Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
