Traffic Fatalities in Five Key New Jersey Counties Since 2023

When it comes to roadway safety, numbers tell a powerful story. In New Jersey, traffic fatalities have climbed over the past two years, from 606 in 2023 to 684 in 2024 — a 12.9% increase. Already, over 350 traffic-related fatalities have been reported to date in 2025.

In a county-to-county breakdown, some of the state’s largest counties are seeing troubling trends, especially in five key counties: Middlesex, Essex, Monmouth, Somerset, and Union.

County Comparisons Over the Last Two Years

• Middlesex County: The state’s deadliest county, reporting the highest fatalities in both 2023 and 2024, with 59 and 60 fatalities, respectively.
• Essex County: Consistently ranks near the top, with 55 fatalities in 2024.
• Monmouth County: One of the largest increases, climbing from 37 deaths in 2023 to 53 in 2024 — an increase of 16 lives lost.
• Somerset County: While still high, fatalities declined from 23 in 2023 to 19 in 2024.
• Union County: Fatality rates remained steady, with 37 in 2023 and 39 in 2024.

Middlesex, Essex, Monmouth, Somerset, and Union counties tell the story of how traffic fatalities are concentrated in New Jersey’s most active corridors. Each number represents a preventable tragedy and a call for action to make these roads safer.

What Does This Mean?

Numbers alone don’t tell the full story of roadway danger. Local factors such as population, highway design, tourism, and pedestrian activity help explain why certain counties have higher or increasing fatality rates.

• Middlesex and Essex Counties: High-volume roadways, urban density, major highways, and increased pedestrian activity drive high crash and fatality rates.
• Monmouth County: Seasonal tourism, Jersey Shore traffic, and a rise in pedestrian-related incidents contributed to the surge in fatalities.
• Somerset County: The decline offers a rare bright spot, suggesting safety efforts and roadway patterns may be effective.
• Union County: Steady rates underscore ongoing risks, especially in pedestrian-heavy areas.

With 2025 already recording double-digit fatalities by May, New Jersey’s most populated regions remain at high risk. Public safety initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and pedestrian protections will be crucial to turning the tide.

How Many Traffic-Related Fatalities Involve Pedestrians?

Pedestrian deaths make up a significant portion of the increase: 230 pedestrian deaths in 2024 compared to 171 in 2023. This sharp rise underscores how vulnerable pedestrians are when sharing the road with vehicles.

Pedestrian crashes often occur:

• In high-traffic regions
• Near busy intersections
• In areas with seasonal tourism, such as the Jersey Shore

Common contributing factors include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Jaywalking
• Failure to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

If you are involved in a car accident:

• Call the police and report the crash.
• Exchange information with the other driver.
• Photograph the scene and gather witness contacts.
• Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
• Keep detailed medical records for your claim.
• Limit conversation at the scene, avoid social media posts, and do not speak to insurance companies without legal advice.

Do I Need a Lawyer After a Crash?

When a crash shatters your life or someone you love, every moment matters. Medical bills, lost wages, and insurance company interactions can feel overwhelming — and waiting too long can put your rights at risk.

At Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. (RAM Law), we fight relentlessly for clients injured in car crashes and their families. We know the stakes are high, and we don’t stop until every dollar of compensation you deserve is pursued.

We’ve stood with families in Middlesex, Essex, and beyond who have lost loved ones or suffered devastating injuries in preventable crashes. Their courage inspires our fight — and we are ready to bring that same relentless advocacy to your case.

Don’t wait — your future is too important. Let us stand by your side, protect your rights, and demand justice from those responsible. Call today for a free consultation.

Contact Our New Jersey Car Accident Lawyers at RAM Law

When you are injured in a crash, you need a team to navigate the legal system and hold reckless drivers accountable. Our skilled New Jersey car accident lawyers at RAM Law will fight for the justice you deserve. Call 732-247-3600 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Manalapan, NJ, we serve clients in the surrounding areas, including Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.