| Issue 302 | January 29, 2001 |
NJ Pedestrian Deaths Slightly Lower in 2000
According to preliminary data provided by the NJ Department of Law and Public Safety, there were 145 pedestrian fatalities in New Jersey in 2000. The number represents only seven fewer deaths than in 1999, but is the lowest death count since 1990, when 202 NJ pedestrians died. The figure represents an 8% decline from 1998 totals. In that year, Governor Whitman challenged NJDOT to cut pedestrian deaths in the state in half within 10 years. NJDOT has created a program to improve the worst pedestrian danger spots in the state, but it is being implemented slowly. NJDOT also has a pedestrian safety element within its local aid program, which encourages towns to invest in better walking environments. Pedestrian deaths in 2000 made up roughly 20% of overall traffic fatalities in New Jersey, falling within the 19-21% range seen in the last four years.
