LAKEWOOD, NJ – You may have seen the bumper sticker, “Pray for me, I drive in Lakewood”, but those bumper stickers reflect more than a mere joke about traffic and congestion. It’s based in part by what is now a deadly fact, confirmed by data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
That data shows that not only is driving in Lakewood frustrating, it is also deadly.
A new national report lists Lakewood as one of the most dangerous places to drive in the Northeast, citing high rates of fatal crashes linked to alcohol and speeding.
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team analyzed federal crash data to determine which cities in the region pose the greatest risks for drivers.
Lakewood, one of the fastest-growing communities in New Jersey, ranked third overall, with the highest rate of fatal crashes involving positive blood alcohol content readings among cities analyzed.
Only two cities ranked deadlier: Camden, New Jersey, and Waterbury, Connecticut.
According to the report, Lakewood recorded 7.12 fatalities per 100,000 people involving drivers with measurable alcohol in their systems, along with an identical rate for speeding-related fatalities.
Alcohol and speed cited as leading causes
The analysis found that Lakewood’s crash data stands out not because of its size but due to the severity of the incidents.
Recent crashes in Lakewood – Reports of deadly crashes.
While New Jersey as a state ranks lower for DUI-related fatalities, Lakewood’s numbers specifically for alcohol-related crashes remain alarmingly high. The ConsumerAffairs team noted that driving under the influence encompasses both drugs and alcohol, but their report focused solely on blood alcohol concentration levels.
The city’s rate of 12.81 fatalities across all crash types per 100,000 people is among the highest in the region, and the 8.54 per 100,000 figure tied to “bad driving behaviors” puts it near the top for unsafe driving conditions.
National data highlights broader regional risks
The ConsumerAffairs report used the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System to assess driver safety across major Northeastern cities with populations over 65,000. Researchers factored in deaths involving speeding, impaired driving, and general reckless behavior.
Cities including South Burlington, Vermont, were added to ensure full regional representation, while others like Cambridge and Somerville, Massachusetts, were excluded due to insufficient data.
Each location received a composite safety score out of 100, based on rates of fatalities in five categories. The cities with higher crash and death rates scored higher on the danger scale.
Road safety remains a statewide concern
New Jersey ranks sixth in the nation for road rage incidents, according to the report, suggesting a broader culture of aggressive driving that may contribute to fatal accidents. Experts recommend that drivers stay alert, avoid distractions, and maintain safe speeds—particularly in densely populated or high-traffic areas such as Lakewood.
The findings highlight the ongoing challenges faced by motorists across the Northeast, where congested roads, aging infrastructure, and harsh winter weather already make driving difficult.
Lakewood’s standing underscores a need for increased enforcement and education aimed at reducing risky behavior behind the wheel.