The Top 5 Most Dangerous Traffic Locations in New Jersey

Crashes on New Jersey roads claim hundreds of lives and injure thousands each year, and many of the most serious accidents happen at the exact locations over and over again. From dense city grids in Newark and Jersey City to fast-moving stretches of Route 1&9 or the Garden State Parkway, certain intersections and highways consistently rank among the state’s most dangerous.

These problem areas often involve outdated road designs, high-speed traffic, poor lighting, or limited pedestrian infrastructure, all of which contribute to a higher risk of collisions.

In urban areas, pedestrian injuries are common where wide roads meet poorly timed signals and insufficient crosswalk protections. Drivers face risks on suburban and rural roads from narrow shoulders, sudden merges, and frequent wildlife crossings. Many crashes involve rear-end impacts, T-bone collisions, or high-speed side-swipes, especially in spots where visibility is low or lane changes happen quickly. Recognizing these danger zones is key to prevention and understanding where accountability and support are most needed after a serious accident.

1.US Route 322 & Whitehall Road/Corkery Lane in Monroe Township, Gloucester County

US Route 322 and Whitehall Road/Corkery Lane are among Gloucester County’s most dangerous intersections. Located in Monroe Township, this crossing combines high-speed through traffic with frequent local turning movements, creating a volatile environment for drivers. Route 322, a central east-west corridor, carries a mix of commuter, commercial, and long-distance traffic. When it intersects with local roads like Whitehall and Corkery, the result is a frequent pattern of high-impact collisions, often involving vehicles making left or right turns into fast-moving traffic.

Despite having traffic signals, the intersection suffers from limited sight lines, inconsistent lane markings, and minimal turn protection. Drivers trying to turn onto Route 322 often misjudge gaps in traffic or face pressure from vehicles behind them. The area lacks left-turn lanes or protected signal phases, contributing to many T-bone and angle crashes. Speeding and aggressive driving are also common on this stretch, especially during rush hour or late at night, increasing the risk of serious injury.

Collision breakdown (annual estimates):

• Motor vehicle crashes: ~100–120 times annually, with many involving left-turn or cross-traffic movements.
• T-bone/angle crashes: Frequent, due to unprotected turns across fast-moving lanes.
• Rear-end crashes: These are common as drivers brake suddenly to turn or avoid merging vehicles.
• Injuries: Estimated 30–40 per year, often from side-impact and turning collisions.
• Fatalities: Occasional, typically involving high-speed or nighttime crashes.

Unique hazards:

• High speeds on Route 322: Drivers often exceed 50–55 mph through the intersection.
• No protected left turns: Increases risk of T-bone collisions from oncoming traffic.
• Limited sight lines: Especially for drivers turning from Corkery Lane or Whitehall Road.
• No dedicated turn lanes: Backups and confusion increase the chances of rear-end crashes.
• Rural-suburban transition: Drivers exiting side roads often misjudge traffic volume and speed.

This intersection lies near residential neighborhoods, small businesses, and schools, including Monroe Township High School, just a few miles away. Route 322 is a primary route connecting southern New Jersey to the Commodore Barry Bridge and Philadelphia suburbs, carrying a steady mix of local and regional traffic. Despite its importance, the area lacks modern traffic infrastructure and enforcement measures, making it a persistent trouble spot for serious collisions in Gloucester County.

2. Noah’s Road, Egg Harbor Township to Atlantic City

US Route 40 between West End Avenue and Noah’s Road stands out as the deadliest road segment in the region. Stretching just under four miles from Egg Harbor Township into Atlantic City, this corridor saw 11 fatal crashes between 2018 and 2020, an alarming figure for such a short distance. The road connects inland suburbs and the Atlantic City shorefront, meaning it carries a constant mix of local commuters, delivery trucks, and out-of-town tourists. That blend of unfamiliar drivers, changing traffic speeds, and limited roadway infrastructure makes for a hazardous combination.

The lack of a safe space for error makes this stretch particularly dangerous. The roadway is narrow in many sections, with limited shoulders and poor separation between lanes and the roadside environment. Drivers often attempt risky passes, abrupt turns, or sudden braking, especially during beach season when traffic surges. Nighttime visibility is another issue, with poor lighting and frequent changes in speed limits. The result is a corridor where even small mistakes can lead to deadly consequences, particularly in head-on collisions or high-speed run-off-road crashes.

Collision breakdown:

• Fatal crashes: 11 (over just 3.9 miles).
• Total fatalities: 11 people lost their lives in this short stretch.
• Common crash types: Head-on collisions, run-off-road, and high-speed side impacts.
• Time patterns: Many crashes occur at night or during heavy summer traffic peaks.
• Driver factors: Speeding, distraction, and driver unfamiliarity are major contributors.

Unique hazards:

• Limited shoulders: There is little room for recovery or emergency stops.
• High-speed transitions: Drivers move between suburban and urban zones rapidly.
• Heavy commuter/tourist mix: Unfamiliar drivers navigating tight turns and local roads.
• Inconsistent lighting: Poor visibility increases risk, especially at night.
• Lack of separation: Minimal barriers between opposing lanes or pedestrian areas.

This stretch of US 40 links Egg Harbor Township with Atlantic City, running through busy residential, commercial, and tourist areas. It connects to major arteries like the Atlantic City Expressway and Route 322, making it a key access point to the Jersey Shore.

Despite its importance, the road has not kept up with the traffic demands or safety infrastructure needed to handle the volume and variety of drivers it serves. Without significant improvements, it remains one of the most lethal stretches in New Jersey.

3.US Route 322 from Village Parkway to E. Garwood Avenue, Gloucester County

The stretch of US Route 322 between Village Parkway and East Garwood Avenue in Gloucester County is one of the most fatal roadways in New Jersey. Over just 4.6 miles, this rural corridor recorded 10 fatal crashes and 12 total fatalities in the last years, the highest death toll among all comparable road segments in the state.

Route 322 is a heavily traveled east-west corridor, often used by tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, and commuters navigating between southern New Jersey and Philadelphia. Its rural character, however, masks serious dangers beneath the surface.

The roadway lacks key safety features like adequate lighting, center medians, and protected turn lanes, making it especially vulnerable to high-speed, head-on, and run-off-road collisions. Drivers frequently encounter poor visibility at night and long, unbroken stretches of highway that encourage speeding.

With limited shoulders and few safe places to pass or turn, minor errors can quickly escalate into fatal crashes. The mix of commercial traffic and local drivers, especially during peak hours or inclement weather, makes this segment of Route 322 exceptionally hazardous.

Collision breakdown:

• Fatal crashes: 10 over 4.6 miles.
• Total fatalities: 12, the highest for any comparable road segment in NJ.
• Common crash types: Head-on collisions, run-off-road, and high-speed impacts.
• Crash timing: Many incidents occur at night or in poor visibility conditions.
• Involved vehicles: A high percentage of crashes involve trucks or large vehicles.

Unique hazards:

• No median barrier: Increases risk of head-on collisions.
• Poor lighting: Nighttime visibility is extremely limited in rural stretches.
• Heavy truck traffic: Large vehicles share space with passenger cars on a narrow road.
• Few turn lanes: Left turns and U-turns become dangerous maneuvers at speed.
• Limited shoulders: Drivers have little room to correct errors or pull over safely.

Located in Gloucester County, this section of Route 322 runs through sparsely developed land but connects major routes like Route 55 and the New Jersey Turnpike. It’s a frequent route for commercial vehicles and regional traffic heading toward the Commodore Barry Bridge. Despite the high-speed limits and relatively light congestion, the lack of modern infrastructure puts all road users at risk, turning what seems like a routine stretch into one of the most dangerous roadways in the state.

4. I-95 corridor from Exit 74 to the Vince Lombardi Travel Plaza in Bergen County

The segment of Interstate 95 between Exit 74 and the Vince Lombardi Travel Plaza in Bergen County is one of the most dangerous stretches of interstate in New Jersey. This busy corridor has experienced 10 fatal crashes, resulting in 11 fatalities, in the last five years, underscoring the serious risks tied to its design and traffic volume.

This section of I-95, part of the New Jersey Turnpike, is a major artery for commercial freight, interstate travel, and daily commuting, making it one of the most heavily trafficked corridors in the northeastern U.S.

This stretch is especially hazardous due to the combination of high speeds, frequent lane changes, and congestion caused by multiple interchanges. Drivers frequently navigate complex merging zones, especially near Exit 74 and the approach to the Vince Lombardi Travel Plaza, where vehicles enter and exit across fast-moving traffic.

The area is also a key pass-through for large trucks and long-haul traffic, adding to the challenge. Even minor misjudgments, like failing to signal or checking a blind spot too late, can lead to devastating multi-vehicle crashes.

Collision breakdown:

• Fatal crashes: 10 within this corridor.
• Total fatalities: 11, primarily from high-speed and multi-vehicle collisions.
• Common crash types Include Rear-End, sideswipe, and multi-car pileups involving large trucks.
• Crash timing: Frequent during rush hours and late-night travel periods.
• Contributing factors: Speeding, unsafe lane changes, fatigue, and congestion.

Unique hazards:

• High-speed merging: Vehicles enter and exit at full highway speeds with little buffer.
• Heavy truck volume: Constant commercial traffic increases the severity of crashes.
• Interchange congestion: Multiple on/off ramps create conflict zones in dense traffic.
• Limited reaction time: Fast lane shifts and blind spots lead to sudden impacts.
• Driver fatigue/distraction: Common in long-haul or late-night interstate travel.

This I-95 segment cuts through Bergen County, a key commuter hub linking New Jersey with New York City and beyond. It includes access to major routes like Route 46, I-80, and the George Washington Bridge approach. The Vince Lombardi Travel Plaza, one of the busiest rest stops on the East Coast, draws a constant stream of commercial and passenger traffic. Despite its critical role in regional transportation, this corridor remains a high-risk zone for drivers, particularly during peak travel hours and holiday weekends.

5. SR 73 & Waverly/Willow Avenues in Maple Shade, Burlington County

State Route 73 and Waverly/Willow Avenues intersection in Maple Shade, Burlington County, is a major hotspot for collisions, with 241 reported crashes over the past five years, the highest total among comparable intersections. While the fatality count is lower than in other high-risk locations, the volume and variety of crashes make it a persistent danger for drivers and pedestrians alike. The area’s mix of local traffic, commuter flows, and frequent signal changes contributes to daily operational challenges that drivers face.

Most collisions here are rear-end and angle crashes, often caused by sudden stops, driver distraction, or confusion over turning lanes and signal timing. The intersection’s layout funnels a heavy volume of vehicles through a complex series of turns and merges, which, combined with peak-hour congestion, increases the likelihood of collisions. The lower fatality count does not reduce the overall risk, as many crashes result in injuries and significant property damage.

Collision breakdown:

• Total crashes: 241 reported collisions.
• Fatalities: 3 over five years.
• Common crash types: Rear-end and angle crashes dominate.
• Injuries: Numerous, mostly from sideswipes and sudden stops.
• Peak times: Higher collision rates during morning and evening rush hours.

Unique hazards:

• High traffic volume: Heavy daily commuter and local traffic.
• Complex signal patterns: Multiple turn lanes and signal phases can be confusing.
• Rear-end crashes: Frequent due to sudden braking and congestion.
• Angle crashes occur at turning points without protected left-turn phases.
• Limited pedestrian infrastructure increases the risk for people crossing busy roads.

This intersection is a critical junction for Maple Shade residents, connecting residential neighborhoods with commercial centers, schools, and transit stops. SR 73 is a busy north-south route through Burlington County, linking towns like Mount Laurel and Westampton. The ongoing traffic pressures and outdated infrastructure make this location a top priority for safety improvements to reduce crash frequency and severity.

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