New Jersey’s Most Dangerous Roads

New Jersey is one of the most heavily trafficked states in the nation, and its roads are not always up to the task. Many highways pose frequent and sometimes deadly hazards. Being aware of which roads are most treacherous, as well as factors that contribute to a lack of safety, can help you avoid accidents.

Here are the 10 most dangerous roads in the state, according to an analysis of data compiled by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They are ranked in declining order based on annual fatalities per 100 miles:

1. State Road 129 — A 2.4-mile stretch linking South Trenton with I-295 and I-195.
2. Interstate 676 — Residents of New Jersey who work in Philadelphia depend on this 4.8-mile highway, which runs through Camden.
3. State Road 42 — This busy highway connects I-76 to the Atlantic City Expressway.
4. State Road 20 — The road winds along the Passaic River through the Paterson urban area.
5. State Road 21 — This continuation of SR-20 runs from Passaic through downtown Newark and eventually to Newark Liberty Airport.
6. State Road 440 — A principal route of travel to Staten Island, NY, the road runs along the west side of Jersey City and the east side of Bayonne.
7. Interstate 280 — This highway connects the New Jersey Turnpike with I-80, crossing a densely populated area of northern New Jersey.
8. US Highway 30 — The road connects Camden and Atlantic City, running southeast across the state.
9. State Road 4 — This highway runs from the George Washington Bridge to Paramus and its shopping malls.
10. Interstate 80 — This major highway crosses the state east to west, from Pennsylvania to I-95.

One of the most common factors contributing to dangerous roads is traffic congestion. The more vehicles that are on the road, the more likely it is for an accident to occur — especially when traffic exceeds the volume for which the road was designed.

Some of these roads suffer from poor infrastructure, due to age and deteriorated condition. Many date from a time of slower and lighter traffic, so they have sharp curves, narrow bridges, steep inclines and a lack of adequate barriers. Some roads alternatively narrow and widen, causing traffic bottlenecks.

Adverse weather conditions may also make a road more dangerous. Some roads have areas that are prone to flooding or icing over. There also may be inferior road conditions, including potholes and depressions.

Finally, the factors listed above may cause cars to break down, creating obstacles on the roads that can lead to accidents.

If you were injured on one of these dangerous roads, you should consider contacting a skilled auto accident attorney. You may be eligible to file a lawsuit and recover compensation.

Kevin T. Kutyla, Esq. in Succasunna has wide experience seeking justice for victims of accidents on New Jersey’s hazardous roads. Arrange a consultation by calling 862-354-8931 or contact us online.