New Jersey, like any other state, sees its fair share of fatal motor vehicle accidents. Although preliminary statistics show there have been fewer fatal accidents so far this year than compared to 2017, that margin is slim. According to data from the New Jersey State Police, there were 386 deaths resulting from fatal traffic accidents on New Jersey roads as of September 24th, roughly 40 fewer deaths than compared to the same time period in 2017.
Preliminary data from State Police, although subject to change, reveal some important findings about fatal roadway accidents so far this year:
- Pedestrian deaths are down by 7 thus far in New Jersey. Last year, New Jersey recorded the most pedestrian fatalities it’s seen in over 20 years.
- Summer 2018 – from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend – saw 18 fewer roadway fatalities compared to the summer of 2017 (165 deaths compared to 183 fatalities).
- Three more bicyclists have died in New Jersey traffic accidents as of September 24th as compared to the 9 cyclists killed in fatal incidents during the same time period last year.
Where Do the Most Fatal Roadway Accidents in New Jersey Occur?
Although preliminary data does show fewer roadway deaths in New Jersey so far this year, there have still been numerous traffic fatalities throughout the state. What’s more, the numbers are helping shed light on where fatal accidents are most likely to occur.
Some of the most likely suspects, including urban counties with significant commuter traffic, did rank high on the list of New Jersey’s most dangerous counties. However, those counties weren’t always the ones with the highest death tolls. As the state’s Division of Highway Traffic Safety confirms, more fatal wrecks tend to happen on local roads.
Below is a list of the state’s most dangerous counties in New Jersey according to preliminary fatality statistics from September 24, 2018:
- Middlesex County – Middlesex County recorded 39 roadway deaths as of September 24th, the most in any county in the state. Of the 39 fatalities, 9 occurred during the summer and 20 occurred on highways (state, interstate, or toll highways).
- Burlington County – 35 roadway fatalities, with 11 occurring during the summer.
- Camden County – 32 roadway deaths, 16 of which happened over the summer.
- Essex County – 29 roadway deaths, with 12 in the summer.
- Ocean County – 27 roadway deaths, 14 during summer.
- Gloucester County – 25 fatalities, 7 during summer.
In addition to the top six counties for fatal roadway accidents, the numbers also show:
- Atlantic County, Morris County, Monmouth County, and Bergen County each saw 19 roadway deaths as of September 24, 2018:
- Union County and Somerset County both recorded 17 roadway deaths.
- Mercer County and Passaic County recorded 15 traffic fatalities.
- Hudson County (14), Cumberland County (13), Cape May County (10), Sussex County (8)
- Salem County and Warren County had 6 recorded traffic fatalities each.
- Hunterdon County saw one traffic fatality as of September 24th.
Levinson Axelrod, P.A.: Serving All 21 Counties in New Jersey
The numbers are a grim and sobering reminder that no County is exempt from the possibility of seeing fatal traffic accidents. It is also an important reminder that everyone who travels local roadways, especially in more dangerous NJ counties, should make safety a priority whenever they are behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, and be vigilant of those around them – be they motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians.
As our legal team at Levinson Axelrod, P.A. knows, even the most safety-conscious individuals can suffer harm when others on the road are negligent. Victims who suffer preventable injuries, and families who lose loved ones in fatal car and truck accidents that could and should have been avoided, have the right to seek justice and compensation for their losses by pursuing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit – and our legal team is prepared to fight for the compensation they deserve.
If you have questions about your rights following a preventable injury-causing or fatal accident anywhere in New Jersey, contact us for a free case evaluation. Levinson Axelrod, P.A. proudly serves victims and families throughout the state from multiple office locations.