Report: NJ saw fewer deaths on roadways in 2012

    TRENTON, N.J. — State Police statistics show fewer people died on New Jersey’s roadways in 2012 than in 2011, but there was a slight increase in pedestrian deaths.

    Citing data it obtained, the Star-Ledger of Newark reports there were 558 traffic fatalities on the state’s roads and highways in 2012 that resulted in 592 deaths. There were 586 accidents that left 627 dead in 2011.

    However, 165 pedestrians were killed in 2012, up from 143 in 2011.

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    Experts say several factors contributed to the boost in pedestrian deaths, including drivers and pedestrians being distracted by electronic devices.

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