There are many reasons car accidents occur in New Jersey. Here are the most common: Distracted Driving: Distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of car accidents with the prevalence of mobile phones. In one year, there were over 1,000 crashes related to handheld cell phone use. Drunk Driving: Driving while under the influence continues to be a serious problem for New Jersey roadways contributing to nearly a third of all car accidents. Young Drivers: Young or inexperienced drivers are far more likely to be involved in a car-related accident.