High Number Of Fatal Auto-Pedestrian Accidents In New Jersey

Pedestrians and cyclists are frequently on or near our roadways, and drivers have a responsibility to take reasonable care concerning them. However, statistics indicate that walking or cycling in New Jersey may be a dangerous mode of transport. In a report released by the New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition, it appears that New Jersey has the second highest number of fatal cycling and auto-pedestrian accidents in the entire country.

According to the report, 27 percent of fatal road accidents in New Jersey involve pedestrians and cyclists. This compares poorly to the national average of 14 percent. Ironically, New Jersey is one of 11 states in the United States trying to convince more people to cycle or walk. We are also one of only 27 states with a policy requiring that all road users be considered and accommodated when rebuilding roads. To the same extent, different proposals to increase the safety of cyclists and pedestrians are currently under consideration by the state legislature.

Despite all that is done to make the roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians, accidents still happen. The more vulnerable position of the ever-increasing number of people who choose to walk or cycle instead of using other forms of transport cannot be denied. When an accident occurs between a motor vehicle and a bicycle or pedestrian, serious injury or even death is an all too common result.

In New Jersey, victims of auto-pedestrian accidents and cycling accidents who has been seriously injured may choose to file a personal injury against a driver deemed negligent. A wrongful death claim may be filed by surviving family members should the victim die as a result of an accident. Damages awarded in successfully presented claims may assist the victims or their families in coping with the unexpected expenses due to the accident.

Source: app.com, “Alternate Route: One man’s bike crash is a window in to a disturbing state statistic“, Larry Higgs, April 29, 2014