While some states saw the number of fatal car accidents on their roadways decrease as a whole in 2011, New Jersey's roads seem to be becoming more dangerous. With 2011 brought a four-year high for deaths on state roads.

New Jersey racked up a staggering 594 fatal car accidents in the past calendar year. This accounts for accidents that occur on highways, main surface streets and back roads combined. With these nearly 600 accidents came 635 deaths.

These deaths were not just limited to occupants of a vehicle, although, 371 of them were driving at the time and 103 were passengers. A shocking 144 individuals that died in these accidents were actually pedestrians while 17 of them were bicyclists according to data from the New Jersey State Police.

Middlesex County racked up more deaths than any other county in the state while Essex County was home to the most pedestrian deaths. The average age range of accident victims was between the ages of 50 and 64.

The numbers troubled state police and a spokesperson for the force said drivers need to do a better job of protecting themselves. Failing to fasten a safety belt was a consistent and key contributor to many of the deaths, according to police.

However, statistics suggest drivers and passengers have no problem buckling. According to data compiled by the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, 94.51 percent of drivers and front-seat passengers wore seat belts, which was a slight increase from 2010. This number was not so strong for passengers who sit in the back seat at 61 percent.

Distracted driving is also a main culprit, according to police. Fatal accidents are often spurred by drivers distracted by cell phones or other mobile devices. As for the rash of pedestrian deaths, police suggest pedestrians use sidewalks and cross walks and do not walk around trafficked areas while intoxicated.

Source: NJ.com, "2011 a lethal year on New Jersey's roadways, as 635 lose their lives," Christopher Baxter, Jan. 1, 2012