The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | February 2024
New Jersey Traffic Deaths Show Decline in 2023 , but Challenges Remain
The NJ State Police recently released their 2023 Traffic fatalities report . The data shows a drop in traffic-related fatalities and fatal crashes in New Jersey in 2023 compared to the previous year . According to the report , a total of 621 people were killed in 589 crashes in 2023 , down from 689 fatalities in 646 crashes in 2022 .
While the decrease in fatalities is encouraging , officials emphasized that there is still much work to be done . Michael J . Rizol Jr ., director of the state Division of Highway Traffic Safety , highlighted the importance of recognizing that the battle is far from over , stating , “ With over 600 lives lost on our roads this year , we must recognize that our work is far from finished .”
The decline in traffic deaths aligns with a national trend reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA ). According to NHTSA ’ s 2023 3rd quarter report , New Jersey was expected to experience a 15 % drop in traffic deaths ( in 2023 ) compared to the previous year . The fatality rate was projected to decrease from 1.75 deaths per 100 million miles traveled in 2022 to 1.42 in 2023 .
The state police statistics reveal a 10 % decrease in the fatality rate . Authorities attribute this improvement to collective efforts and a shared belief in the importance of safe driving . The continuous support from Attorney General Matthew Platkin and the dedication of state , county , municipal , and private traffic safety partners were acknowledged as crucial contributors to the positive change .
However , the report also highlights areas that require further attention , particularly the safety of bicyclists on the road . In 2023 , there was an increase in cyclist fatalities , aligning with a nationwide trend reported by the NHTSA .
YEAR CYCLIST PEDESTRIAN
2023 |
25 |
177 |
2022 |
16 |
191 |
2021 |
26 |
217 |
2020 |
18 |
179 |
2019 |
12 |
176 |
2018 |
17 |
175 |
2017 |
16 |
183 |
In an effort to enhance bicycle safety and reduce vulnerable road user fatalities , in March of 2022 the NJ legislature passed the NJ Safe Passing law .
This law joins the Move Over Law & The Crosswalk Stop Law in providing the law enforcement community tools to protect our most vulnerable roadway users . The new law was added to the NJ Motor Vehicle Code , 39:4-92.4 and provides roadway “ safetysharing ” rights to cyclists , runners , walkers , rollers , wheelchair users and any person legally allowed on the road .
The report also cites a decline in pedestrian fatalities , with 171 pedestrians killed in 2023 compared to 191 in 2022 . While any decrease in fatalities is positive , pedestrian safety remains a priority for future initiatives .
A growing concern in recent years is the decline in traffic enforcement by police . This is contrasted by the higher than projected number of crashes and fatalities over the past several years . In 2020 , amidst the pandemic , traffic enforcement witnessed a significant drop . While there has been a gradual improvement since then , the enforcement of traffic violations that pose the greatest threats to safety remains well below the levels seen in 2019 . Despite traffic volume returning to normal levels over the three years following the peak of the pandemic , the enforcement of dangerous driving practices has not kept pace . As you can see in the charts below , DWI enforcement is down by over 10 %, speeding enforcement is down by 48 %, enforcement of cell phone violations is down by 52 % and seatbelt enforcement is down by 54 %.
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