TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey has been ranked among the top 10 states in the country with the highest rate of fatal car crashes during the evening rush hour, according to a new study analyzing national traffic data.
Key Points
- New Jersey ranked 8th in fatal evening rush-hour crashes nationwide
- The state recorded a fatal crash rate of 6.9 per 100,000 licensed drivers
- The deadliest year during the study period was 2020, with 110 fatalities
The report, compiled by Washington, D.C.-based personal injury law firm Kitchel Law, examined fatal crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) between 2018 and 2022. It focused on crashes occurring between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., a high-traffic period known for increased accident risk.
New Jersey recorded an average of 99.8 fatal crashes during the evening rush hour over the five-year span. That equates to 6.9 deaths per 100,000 licensed drivers—38% higher than the national average of 5.0.
Evening traffic poses elevated risk
The study attributes the heightened danger during these hours to driver fatigue and traffic-related stress.
“Fatigue from a long day at work and the rush to beat traffic can lead to a lack of focus and road rage — two key ingredients for accidents,” a spokesperson for Kitchel Law said.
Of the five years reviewed, 2020 saw the highest number of evening rush-hour deaths in New Jersey with 110 fatalities, despite overall traffic volumes decreasing that year due to pandemic restrictions. The lowest number was in 2018 with 90.
Nationwide trend highlights traffic concerns
New York topped the list with a staggering 34.6 fatal crashes per 100,000 drivers, followed by Alabama and Virginia. Other states in the top 10 included North Carolina, Arizona, Missouri, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Massachusetts.
The study’s findings underline the potential hazards of commuting during peak hours and offer insight into how fatigue and congestion can contribute to deadly outcomes on U.S. roadways.
