Pedestrian Deaths Spike, As Fatal Traffic Crashes Increase In NJ

NEW JERSEY — Traffic deaths increased on New Jersey roads and highways in 2024, with the number of pedestrians who died higher than at any point in the past three-plus decades.

New Jersey State Police keep track of all fatal crashes in the state, and Patch took a look at their data as we enter 2025— and as law enforcement agencies around the state wrapped up an annual crackdown on unsafe driving during the holiday season.

NJSP data shows that there were 650 fatal traffic crashes in the state in 2024, and 687 people died.

That is a 13.4 percent increase from 2023, and the number of pedestrian deaths also jumped: 221 pedestrians died as a result of traffic crashes in 2024, compared to 171 in 2023.

This is the highest number of pedestrian deaths since 1988, when 239 pedestrians died, according to NJSP data.

Overall in 2023 there were 574 fatal crashes in New Jersey, and 606 people died as a result. Newly-released data from State Police shows 2023 also saw an 18 percent decrease in alcohol-related fatalities, but that drivers tested positive for alcohol, marijuana or other drugs in 31 percent of crashes where tests were obtained.

Matthew Reilly, a spokesman for the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, also pointed to speeding and distracted driving as causes of fatal crashes.

“Every life lost on our roads is a loss felt deeply by families, friends, and communities across New Jersey," Reilly said. "These behaviors endanger those who engage in them and everyone who shares the road."

Traffic deaths hit a 15-year high in 2022, according to previous Patch reporting. New Jersey also saw a 26 percent increase in traffic fatalities from 2019 to 2022, in part due to reckless driving and drug or alcohol use, according to an analysis from the nonprofit States Newsroom.

Here are traffic fatality statistics from previous years, as a comparison.

2024 (as of Monday, Dec. 30)

• Fatal crashes: 645
• Number of deaths: 682
• Drivers killed: 357
• Passengers killed: 82
• Cyclists killed: 25
• Pedestrians killed: 218

2023

• Fatal crashes: 574
• Number of deaths: 606
• Drivers killed: 319
• Passengers killed: 89
• Cyclists killed: 27
• Pedestrians killed: 171

2022

• Fatal crashes: 646
• Number of deaths: 689
• Drivers killed: 379
• Passengers killed: 103
• Cyclists killed: 16
• Pedestrians killed: 191

2021

• Fatal crashes: 667
• Number of deaths: 697
• Drivers killed: 368
• Passengers killed: 86
• Cyclists killed: 26
• Pedestrians killed: 217

The state's annual "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign was ongoing through Jan. 1, and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety distributed $732,400 in grants to dozens of law enforcement agencies to combat impaired drivers.

"Each time we get behind the wheel, we make a choice that affects everyone on the road," Reilly said. "By slowing down, staying focused, and committing to sober driving, we can ensure our actions contribute to a safer New Jersey for everyone."