New Jersey Traffic Deaths Rise in 2024 Despite National Decline

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, Traffic fatalities in New Jersey rose sharply in 2024, according to newly released data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While the nation saw an overall decline in roadway deaths, the Garden State recorded a troubling 14.7% increase compared to the previous year.

📈 2024 Traffic Fatality Stats for New Jersey

• Total fatalities in 2024: 695

• Fatalities in 2023: 606

• Year-over-year increase: 14.7%

• Fatalities in 2022: 689

New Jersey is one of 14 states where roadway deaths increased in 2024. The state’s fatality count is now back in line with 2022 levels.

🚦 How NJ Compares to National Trends

Nationally, an estimated 39,345 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2024, down from 40,901 in 2023 — a 3.8% national decrease in traffic deaths.

Despite the rise in New Jersey fatalities, the state still maintains one of the lowest fatality rates per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) at 0.90, placing it among just 11 states with a rate under one.

🔢 National VMT & Fatality Trends:

• 2023 fatality rate: 1.26 per 100M VMT

• 2024 fatality rate: 1.20 per 100M VMT

• Total VMT increase (2023-2024): 32.3 billion miles (+1%)

The decrease in national traffic deaths comes despite an increase in overall driving, showing potential effectiveness of new safety measures and infrastructure improvements.

🕰️ Historical Context: Roadway Deaths Over the Years

The NHTSA has tracked traffic fatalities since 1975, showing fluctuating trends over the decades:

• Downward trends: 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s

• Upward trends: mid-2010s and post-pandemic (2020–2022)

• Lowest point since pandemic: 2024, with deaths at their lowest since 2020 (39,007)

Between 2013 and 2019, the U.S. consistently recorded fewer than 38,000 deaths annually — a benchmark not yet reached post-COVID.

🚧 New Jersey’s Plan to Achieve Zero Traffic Deaths

In response to the increase in fatalities, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a groundbreaking law in January 2024 establishing the first-in-the-nation traffic safety commission. This commission includes multiple state agencies and is tasked with creating a comprehensive strategy to eliminate roadway deaths in New Jersey by 2040.

This initiative is part of the state’s Vision Zero commitment to safer streets through infrastructure improvements, enforcement, education, and data-driven policy.

🛑 What’s Causing the Crashes?

While full 2024 data is still being analyzed, 2023 data offers insights into the causes of motor vehicle fatalities:

• Speeding-related deaths

• Alcohol-impaired driving fatalities

• Pedestrian, truck, and motorcycle crashes

These statistics will help shape prevention efforts in New Jersey and across the country.

📌 The Bottom Line

While national traffic deaths declined in 2024, New Jersey saw a significant increase. However, the state’s commitment to achieving zero traffic fatalities by 2040 provides hope for long-term change.

As we move further into the decade, staying informed and supporting traffic safety measures — from infrastructure updates to safer driving habits — will be crucial to reversing this deadly trend.

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