You may not know it from driving around Lakewood, but New Jersey is actually one of the safest states for motorists to drive in, according to a new study.
Using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Reviews.com found that New Jersey ranks as the 48th most dangerous state to drive in.
Here are some driving statistics in New Jersey for the year of 2018 (the most recent available data):
- 0.73 motor vehicle fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles
- 564 total fatalities
- 20.2% of fatalities were related to speeding
- 22.2% of fatalities were related to drunk driving
- 54.2% of fatalities were in cars, 26.1% in light trucks, 14.3% in motorcycles, and 1.9% in other or unknown vehicles
Overall, there were 36,560 motor vehicle deaths in the United States in 2018, and deaths have been trending downwards for over 40 years, as cars are built with more safety features. In just one year, deaths have declined by more than 1,000, with a drop of over 10% among children. The drop in motor vehicle deaths comes even as Americans drive.
However, pedestrian deaths in cities have been rising in recent years, with pedestrian deaths rising by 69%, bicycle deaths up 48%, and motorcycle deaths up 33%.
Below is an interactive map with the rankings and statistics of the most dangerous states to drive in.
…excluding Lakewood of course!!
NJ must be THE safest state in which to drive. It only dropped to the 48th safest state after including Lakewood. I’m sorry, but it is VERY unsafe to drive in Lakewood.
Please tell that to my insurance company.
NJ motor vehicle insurance is a $100+ a year above the National average.
If it is so safe it would be lower than the national average.
Pray for me I drive in…. Idaho?
Less squawking & more walking and bicycling.
Safest place to drive Matchbox cars, perhaps.