Fatal Crashes Involving Cyclists and Pedestrians in N.J. at Highest Number Since 1989
blue bicycle on the road after a bicycle accident
The number of pedestrian and cyclist deaths have reached a crisis level in New Jersey, according to startling traffic data. By the end of 2021, 23 cyclists and 219 pedestrians had been killed in traffic accidents in New Jersey. This represented one-third of all traffic fatalities in the state for the year and the highest number of cyclist and pedestrian fatalities in New Jersey since 1989.
Families who have lost a loved one in a fatal car crash in New Jersey may turn to a lawyer for assistance with a wrongful death claim. The best bicycle accident lawyers in New Jersey will quickly get to work investigating the cause of the accident and pursuing maximum compensation against the at-fault parties. The New Jersey pedestrian accident lawyers at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. are concerned about this recent trend and stand ready to help you seek justice if you or a loved one is harmed by a negligent driver.
Why Have the Fatal Crashes in New Jersey Increased Recently?
Safety advocates say that guidance and outreach for motorists are necessary to change the recent trend in increased fatal car crashes in New Jersey that involve cyclists or pedestrians. Additionally, they say that sidewalks are missing from many areas or those in place are not maintained well. They urge complete street plans to be implemented when roads are reconstructed.
Governor Murphy has taken note of the increasing number of fatal car crashes in New Jersey involving cyclists and pedestrians and has signed the “safe passing” law, which goes into effect in March 2022. This law requires drivers to move over one lane when passing pedestrians or cyclists or slow down to 25 mph if it is not safe to pass. The law is similar to the move-over law for first responders but applies to other vulnerable road users.
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