N.J. State Police Urging Motorists To Take Extra Precautions, As Preliminary Data Shows Traffic Fatalities Are Up – CBS New York

SOUTH AMBOY, NJ (CBSNewYork) – New Jersey State Police The data shows that the number of fatal car crashes has increased compared to last year and before the pandemic.

CBS2’s Meg Baker spoke to several people on Thursday to find out why.

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“The roads are packed. We all had cabin fever,” said Andrew Cohen, who was traveling from Westchester County.

Summer is usually a busy time for commuting, but this year more than ever drivers say they’re feeling heavy traffic.

“I think everyone is anxious to get out of the house, go to the beach, go see friends. They don’t pay much attention,” Cohen said.

Marisa Rocha of Floral Park, New Jersey added: “Texting and all that nonsense doesn’t help.

State police data shows there were 309 fatal crashes in 2021. Preliminary data from 2020 shows there were 268. Before the pandemic, in 2019, there were 266. All of that suggests no what does it matter when there are fewer people on the road in 2020. Some still drive recklessly.

Sgt. Alejandro Goez joined the state police in urging drivers to slow down and remove distractions.

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“You cannot give an exact definition of why the numbers are the way they are. They may change from year to year. The biggest thing, again, contributing to this is the driver’s lack of attention,” said Goez.

Police say summer is often the most dangerous time on the roads.

“In addition to the regular patrols we have, we have programs that target DWI, aggressive drivers, but at any given time we will have additional patrols to make sure they enforce and educate the public,” Goez said.

Most of the travelers with whom Baker spoke said they had more time to reach their destination so there would be no rush.

“I have always been very careful. I just took the AARP safety course,” said Susan Kline of Long Island.

Sgt. Goez reminds drivers to put their phones down, stay focused and fasten their seat belts. It increases your chances of survival if you have a bad accident.

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Preliminary figures also show that the number of pedestrian deaths has increased by about 10% compared to 2019.