Motorcycle crashes in New Jersey have reached alarming levels, with drunk driving playing a significant role in these incidents. The statistics paint a sobering picture of the dangers faced by motorcyclists on New Jersey roads.
Motorcycle Crash Statistics
New Jersey experienced a troubling surge in motorcycle fatalities in recent years:
- In 2021, there were 97 fatal motorcycle crashes, resulting in 99 deaths – the highest number since 2006.
- This marked a significant increase from previous years, with fatalities as low as 55 in 2018.
- Nationally, motorcycle fatalities have risen by 22% over the last decade.
The Role of Alcohol in Motorcycle Crashes
Alcohol impairment is a major contributing factor to motorcycle accidents in New Jersey:
- In 2017, 32.5% of motorcycle fatalities involved riders who tested positive for alcohol.
- Over 25% of the 5,316 motorcycle-related deaths in 2017 were due to blood alcohol content exceeding the legal limit of 0.08%.
- Alcohol impairment is four times higher at night compared to daytime, contributing to nearly 30% of fatal crashes.
Overall Impact of Drunk Driving
The influence of alcohol extends beyond just motorcycle accidents:
- Between 2008 and 2019, 1,459 people were killed on New Jersey’s roadways due to alcohol-impaired drivers.
- In 2021, 220 people died in drunk driving accidents in New Jersey, accounting for 31% of all traffic deaths.
- Men are twice as likely to die in alcohol-related incidents compared to women.
Time and Location Factors
Certain times and locations pose higher risks for alcohol-related crashes:
- The deadliest times for DUI incidents are Friday and Saturday evenings and nights.
- Late-night hours see the highest percentage of alcohol-related crashes:
- 50% of crashes between midnight and 2:59 a.m. involve alcohol
- 42% of crashes between 3 a.m. and 5:59 a.m. involve alcohol
- State and county roads are reportedly the most accident-prone zones.
Broader Context of DUI in New Jersey
The issue of drunk driving extends beyond motorcycles:
- New Jersey experienced a 30% increase in overall DUI incidents and crashes in 2021.
- There are approximately 26,500 DUI and related offense convictions every year in New Jersey.
- In 2021, about 11.2% of all U.S. DUI arrests took place in New Jersey.
The high number of motorcycle crashes caused by drunk drivers in New Jersey is indeed alarming. With alcohol playing a role in over a quarter of motorcycle fatalities and contributing to a significant portion of overall traffic deaths, it’s clear that impaired driving remains a serious threat to road safety.
The recent surge in motorcycle fatalities, combined with the persistent issue of drunk driving, underscores the need for continued efforts in education, enforcement, and prevention to protect all road users, especially vulnerable motorcyclists.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://valleyspringrecovery.com/addiction/drug/statistics/new-jersey-dui/
[2] https://nj1015.com/nj-motorcycle-deaths/
[3] https://www.kcrlawfirm.com/blog/drunk-driving-a-leading-cause-of-accidents-in-new-jersey/
[4] https://www.njoag.gov/division-of-highway-traffic-safety-motorcycle-safety/
