Every day, tens of thousands of vehicles travel the New Jersey Turnpike, making it one of the busiest highways in the state. With speeds often exceeding 60 mph, accidents are unfortunately common along its entirety. Whether you're a New Jersey resident, a commuter, or a visitor, the highway presents significant dangers for everyone.

When accidents occur, it’s important that you know what to do, and what steps to take to ensure your legal claim is successful. If you need legal help, contact the NJ car accident attorneys from Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law.

Recent Incident on the Turnpike

In late May 2021, a serious six-vehicle collision near Kearny, New Jersey, led to the closure of the western spur of the Turnpike for several hours. The accident, which occurred around 3:30 PM on Wednesday, May 26, resulted in one victim being airlifted to the hospital with severe injuries. The aftermath caused traffic backups extending over three miles from Newark to beyond the 15W interchange with Route 280, and the lanes remained closed past 6 PM as investigations continued.

Turnpike Crash Statistics

According to recent data, the New Jersey Turnpike is the second most dangerous highway in the state, with 7,768 crashes recorded in 2019. The Garden State Parkway tops the list with 9,672 crashes. Here’s how other major NJ highways compare:

• I-80: 4,722 crashes
• Route 46: 4,166 crashes
• I-295: 3,139 crashes
• I-78: 2,915 crashes
• I-287: 2,886 crashes
• Route 130: 2,844 crashes

Why is the NJ Turnpike So Busy?

Nicknamed "The Monster Road" and "The Black Dragon," the New Jersey Turnpike is one of the most heavily traveled highways in the country. It spans 148 miles and features sections with up to 14 lanes, providing access to:

• I-95
• I-2276 Pennsylvania Spur
• The Newark Bay extension
• Route 70
• The Garden State Parkway
• Routes 295 and 73 in South Jersey

Its extensive network connects drivers to major highways and serves as a primary route to New York, contributing to its high traffic volume.

The Dangers of the NJ Turnpike

The high speed limits, multiple lanes, and frequent presence of tractor-trailers make the NJ Turnpike particularly hazardous. Constant construction projects further increase the risk of accidents, affecting both drivers and construction workers.

In a 2014 interview, retired New Jersey State Police Major Al Della Fave highlighted the challenges of patrolling the Turnpike, emphasizing the need for experienced officers due to the highway's fast pace and high volume of traffic.

Reducing Accident Risks on the NJ Turnpike

To minimize the risk of accidents on the Turnpike, consider the following tips:

• Use express lanes for long-distance travel to avoid trucks.
• Avoid truck blind spots, which can be in the rear, sides, and even front.
• In inclement weather, slow down, turn on headlights, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. If conditions worsen, use rest stops until it is safe to continue.
• Always wear your seat belt. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 42% of passenger-vehicle occupants killed in New Jersey in 2019 were not wearing seat belts. This figure rises to 55% for nighttime fatalities.

Seeking Legal Assistance After a Turnpike Accident

Traveling on the NJ Turnpike is challenging, but finding the right injury attorney shouldn't be. Contact the experienced New Jersey car accident lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law. Call us to schedule an appointment. With offices in Edison, Asbury Park, and Toms River, we serve clients throughout New Jersey.

If you've been involved in a New Jersey Turnpike accident, let Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.