Distracted driving continues to be a challenge in New Jersey and across the nation. Despite laws being passed to penalize drivers who partake in the practice and campaigns to educate them about the risk, it remains a common cause of auto crashes.
All drivers are vulnerable to the temptation. While younger and inexperienced drivers could be prone to thinking they can multitask, it also impacts drivers across all demographics. There might be a presumption that professional drivers who earn their living on the road will know better than to drive distracted, but recent analysis says otherwise.
New Jersey was one of the states with the highest rate for distracted professional drivers. When there is an accident, it is essential to be aware of the possibility that it happened because a driver was distracted and to make sure a full investigation is conducted and evidence gathered. This can be a fundamental part of deciding how to move forward.
Statistics were compiled using data from the summer of 2024
Fleet operations consultant Samsara looked at the data for the summer months of 2024. New Jersey had the dubious distinction of being ranked in the top five states with the highest number of distracted professional drivers.
If a trucker is operating a big rig and is not paying full attention to the road, it places those sharing the road in jeopardy of catastrophic injuries and death. When drivers are on a long, straight road, there may be a propensity to find other means to keep them occupied. However, New Jersey was singled out for its unique problems drivers lament such as heavy traffic. The Garden State was second for most distracted professional drivers.
Researchers also noted when drivers tend to be distracted. The middle of the day was found to be the time when drivers were distracted the most. Overnight drivers were found to have far lower levels of distraction. The least distracted drivers were on the road between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m.
Drivers are discouraged from taking their eyes and attention from the road for any reason. If a driver is stopped and cited, they are fined $200 to $400 for a first offense. The penalties escalate with every subsequent offense. The driver receive points on their license. Eventually, they could have a license suspension.
Regardless, it is clear through this research and the recent numbers saying that as many as half of the accidents in the state cite distraction as a factor that it remains a problem that officials are having trouble solving.
Having help is critical after any type of auto accident
It is particularly egregious when a commercial driver whose livelihood is based on safe operation of their large vehicle decides to drive while distracted. People who have been hurt or lost a loved one in any auto accident will face an uncertain future. That includes medical expenses, lost income, long-term care needs, and more.
If the collision occurred because of a distracted driver, commercial or otherwise, it will be a critical factor when trying to hold the driver accountable for their behavior. After any motor vehicle accident, it is imperative to have comprehensive assistance with making a full recovery.
