What Killed the Most NJ Drivers in 2019?

[NJCher]

Making a call, texting, and drinking coffee killed the most drivers last year in N.J.
Posted Dec 28, 8:28 AM


Motorists talking on phones, texting or engrossed by complicated infotainment systems while driving are more than an annoyance – they can be downright deadly.

Distracted driving was the leading cause of fatal crashes in New Jersey in 2018, more than speeding and driving while intoxicated.

A State Police fatal crash analysis found 146 crashes were because of driver inattention, 143 were caused by driver intoxication and 53 because of unsafe speed in 2018. This is the eighth straight year that the analysis found distracted driving was the leading cause of fatal crashes in New Jersey.

The slightly good news is that total is down from 196 crashes in 2017.

https://www.nj.com/news/2019/12/making-a-call-texting-and-drinking-coffee-killed-the-most-drivers-last-year-in-nj.html

[Dustlawyer]

1. Selling my Harley due to cell phone distraction making it too risky.

While riding a motorcycle has always been more dangerous than riding in a car, the addition of cell phones and other electronic distractions have upped the ante on the risks to unacceptable levels for me.

How many times a week do you have to honk at someone sitting through a green light because they are buried in their phones? More people running red lights and stop signs because they are not watching the road as they text or read a text. It is insane! I see it in my line of work all too often.

[monmouth4]

2. My son recently moved to Florida and said the same as you. He's giving it up, too dangerous for all

of the reasons you stated. Shame, he loves his Harley..

[Rorey]

3. About the coffee thing

I can see that it could affect someone's driving if they spill or something. I bring my travel mug with me when I start my Monday morning 5 a.m. drive to Denver, and I don't really think it's a distraction. It's spillproof, it's ready, it's in my cup holder, and I only take a sip when there is NO traffic around me. It doesn't require taking my eyes off the road. At that time of the day, wildlife is always a concern, so I keep vigilant.

My adult sons think that it's okay to use hands-free devices while driving. I've ridden with them when they've done it, and it's terrifying.

[Bayard]

4. Hey Californians!

Is it still illegal to text and drive out there?

There is a RR crossing up the road from us here where a young girl was killed, texting and hit by the train. They have put in crossing guards now.

[BigmanPigman]

5. Yes, it is illegal to text and to hold a cell phone while

driving but that hasn't stopped many people from doing it. This is one of my top 5 frustrating things to deal with in the 2000s.

[OhZone]

6. I agree with Rorey! The coffee thing is nuts!

How the heck is coffee a negative?

I think coffee saves more lives than anything. If you commute long distances at odd hours like many NJ people who need to take the Parkway, the Turnpike, 78, 280, 287, 70, or a combination or whatever, you need to stay awake!

You can reach for your coffee without even looking at it, and I have a manual transmission so I need to reach down to change gears anyway. People who are distracted by coffee must be distracted by breathing!