NJ One of Safest States for Summer Driving
Summer is one of the busiest times of year on New Jersey roads. With families heading to the Shore, teenagers out of school, increased construction zones, and holiday travel traffic, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day often brings a spike in crashes. However, New Jersey is actually one of the safest states for summer driving.
While the Garden State’s congested highways and shore traffic can create challenges during the busy vacation season, relatively strong road safety measures, lower fatality rates, and extensive traffic enforcement help keep New Jersey near the top of national safety rankings.
Still, safety officials and traffic organizations are urging drivers to take extra precautions as the summer driving season gets underway. According to AAA, nearly one-third of fatal crashes involving teen drivers and impaired motorists happen during the summer months.
In New Jersey, between May 2020 through August 2024, there were 11.38 fatal crashes per 100,000 residents. This ranks New Jersey as the fifth-safest state in the nation.
This is great news, but drivers still need to be cautious while on the roadways. Several factors contribute to elevated crash risks during the summer:
- Heavy traffic along the Jersey Shore and major highways
- More inexperienced teen drivers on the road
- Increased drunk and impaired driving during holidays and vacations
- Road construction and lane closures
- More pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists
- Driver fatigue during long trips
Even though New Jersey ranks among the safer states for summer driving overall, traffic safety experts warn that preventable crashes remain a serious issue. Teens face the highest risks. The stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day is sometimes referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers.
The combination of inexperience, distractions, speeding, and extra passengers can dramatically increase crash risks for young motorists. AAA reported that in 2024, 35 people were killed in crashes involving teen drivers in New Jersey, with many occurring during the summer season.
Distracted driving is also a serious problem. New Jersey officials continue to focus heavily on distracted driving enforcement. Cell phone use, texting, navigation apps, and other distractions can take a driver’s attention off the road in seconds.
The New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety includes distracted driving among its major safety priorities as part of the state’s long-term highway safety strategy.
Drivers can reduce risks by:
- Putting phones out of reach.
- Using hands-free features sparingly.
- Programming GPS directions before driving,
- Avoiding eating or multitasking behind the wheel.
Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends also bring increased DUI enforcement throughout New Jersey. Summer parties, vacations, and shore nightlife can contribute to more alcohol-related crashes. Drivers are encouraged to avoid driving after drinking or using drugs and stay alert for impaired drivers on the road.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Driving is not an inherently safe activity. There are bad drivers everywhere and there are many factors that can make driving dangerous.
While driving in the summer is the easiest time of year, accidents still happen. A Morristown car accidents attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff can assist you if you have been involved in a crash. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (973) 455-1567.
Source:
app.com/story/news/local/new-jersey/2026/05/31/new-jersey-drivers-safe-summer-driving/90157154007/
