UNINTENTIONAL INJURY DUE TO MOTOR VEHICLES

There were 184 fewer deaths from motor vehicle injuries in 1996 than in 1987 and the total age-adjusted rate was 22.7 percent lower (Table M10). The 1996 motor vehicle-related death rate was substantially lower than in 1987 in every age group under 65. The highest rate of motor vehicle injury deaths occurred in persons 85 and over, although the number of deaths was small. The second highest death rate occurred in the 65 through 84 year age group, followed by persons 15 through 24 years of age.

The decline in mortality from unintentional injury involving the use of motor vehicles by New Jersey residents may be related to enforcement of speeding and drunk driving laws, enactment of seat belt laws, and availability of emergency medical services, as well as the establishment of regional trauma centers (New Jersey Department of Health, 1996).