The first five months of this year have seen a 9.5 percent increase in traffic fatalities over the same period last year, according to New Jersey police.

Here’s the breakdown of the top five counties with the most traffic fatalities:

• Middlesex County: 19 fatalities
• Monmouth County: 18 fatalities
• Essex County: 18 fatalities
• Ocean County: 15 fatalities
• Gloucester County: 15 fatalities

What is to blame for this spike in traffic deaths? According to Pam Fischer, former state Division of Highway Traffic Safety executive director and safety consultant, a rebound in the economy may be one factor. With employment up 1.8 percent in the state in March, more people are on the road, increasing the risk of an accident. Distracted driving is also a huge concern, which was listed as a top contributing factor in fatal crashes. Dangerous driving behaviors including texting, talking on phones, eating, and even listening to excessively loud music all contribute to crashes. In fact, a AAA report has found that distraction is an even larger cause of car crashes involving teens than previously reported by government statistics.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car crash caused by the negligence of another driver, you may be eligible for compensation. We encourage you to get in touch with a New Jersey car accident lawyer at the firm of Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law. With a sole focus on personal injury cases, we have recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation for injured clients. Whether your case can be settled outside of court or warrants a trial, our firm is ready to stand by your side and advocate relentlessly on your behalf.

Call us today at (201) 870-1909 to schedule a free initial consultation.