New Jersey is well-known for its beautiful coastlines, busy cities, and, regrettably, its hazardous roadways. Some of the Garden State’s highways have a reputation for being accident-prone due to high traffic, unpredictable weather, and deteriorating infrastructure. Here are the top five most deadly New Jersey highways and the factors that make them so dangerous for motorists.
1. I-80 (Interstate 80)
Northern New Jersey is traversed by Interstate 80, which links towns including Paterson, Parsippany, and Hackensack. The high speed and frequent jams on this highway are well-known. The area close to the Delaware Water Gap is one of the riskiest, with steep slopes and tight turns that present difficulties for drivers. This location is particularly dangerous in the winter due to the icy roads, which result in a high number of accidents annually.
2. The Garden State Parkway
From New Jersey’s northernmost point to Cape May at the southernmost point, the Garden State Parkway is one of the state’s busiest roadways. Accidents are common because of the heavy traffic, especially in the summer. Drivers may be caught off surprise by the twisting stretches through forested regions, particularly at night or in inclement weather. Another major factor contributing to the danger of this highway is careless speeding and distracted driving.
3. The First Route
Passing through communities like Edison, Woodbridge, and New Brunswick, Route 1 is an essential route for both commercial and commuter traffic. However, it is a collision hotspot due to its design, which includes several crossroads, small merge lanes, and high speed restrictions. Due to a mix of traffic jams and vehicles changing lanes recklessly to avoid delays, the area around Princeton experiences a high frequency of accidents.
4. Route 22
Another notorious highway for its intricacy and high accident rate is Route 22. Union, Somerset, and other towns in central New Jersey are traversed by this roadway. Route 22 requires drivers to pay close attention at all times due to its many driveways, strip malls, and fast curves. The danger of head-on crashes is further increased in certain areas by the absence of an appropriate divider.
5. The New Jersey Turnpike, or Interstate 95
One of the main transportation hubs for the whole Northeast is the New Jersey Turnpike, which is a section of Interstate 95. The situation is unstable due to the combination of out-of-state drivers, commercial vehicles, and passenger cars. The difficulties are increased by the turnpike’s closely spaced exits and small shoulders. Some of the greatest accident rates occur in the area close to Newark Liberty International Airport, frequently as a result of traffic jams and reckless driving.
What Makes These Roads So Perilous?
These highways are dangerous for a number of reasons:
High Traffic Volumes: New Jersey is one of the most populated states in the union, and commuters and tourists frequently jam its highways.
Bad Weather: Especially in the winter, visibility and road traction are regularly impacted by snow, rain, and fog.
Aging Infrastructure: Many of these roads were constructed many years ago and are not suitable for the volume of traffic they see today.
Driver Behavior: Common problems that cause accidents include speeding, tailgating, and distracted driving.
How to Keep Yourself Safe
Although the weather and other drivers are beyond your control, you can lower your risk by taking the following precautions:
Plan Your Route: Steer clear of construction zones and busy regions by using navigation applications.
Drive defensively by keeping a safe distance from other cars and remaining vigilant at all times.
Weather Adjustment: In inclement weather, reduce your speed and turn on your headlights.
Avoid Peak Hours: To lessen your exposure to high traffic, try to travel during off-peak hours.
Although driving on New Jersey’s highways might be difficult, you can lower your risk of getting into an accident by being alert and adhering to safety precautions. Keep in mind that even though the road may be congested, your safety should always come first.