When you get cut off on a New Jersey road, you may think to yourself that the Garden State must have the worst drivers in America.
While your experience may often be negative, studies suggest that road safety could be worse in the state. Here are a few unexpected facts.
Surprising statistics from New Jersey
While some studies suggest that New Jersey is a lousy place to drive due to traffic, infrastructure and other factors, the results are pretty clear across the board that New Jersey is among the safest states in the country when it comes to driver safety. According to data from WalletHub, New Jersey ranks #3 in overall safety. An NHTSA survey states that the state is 41st in speeding deaths and 45th in drunk driving fatalities, with around 0.73 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles driven.
No road is completely safe
Despite these relatively low fatal crash statistics, no road is 100% safe, and you should not let your guard down. New Jersey roads still saw 656 fatal crashes and 699 fatalities in 2022. Here are some ways you can protect yourself while driving:
- Stay focused and alert
- Watch other drivers’ behavior
- Wear your seatbelt
- Be considerate and avoid road rage
- Avoid driving in inclement weather
Driving statistics may point to good driving conditions in New Jersey, or they may be a testament to the severity of driving conditions in other states. Regardless, taking precautions on the road can help you reduce your risk of a fatal collision.