Pedestrian deaths in New Jersey fell by almost 24 percent, from 230 in 2024 to 175 in 2025, according to preliminary data released by the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS). Driver fatalities also declined by about 15 percent, from 350 in 2024 to 299 in 2025. The decreases mirror national trends in 2025 as New Jersey was among 38 states and territories to see traffic fatalities drop.
Fatal crashes in New Jersey last year declined by almost 16 percent and the number of people who died in those crashes dropped by about 15 percent, according to the preliminary data. The number of fatal crashes dropped from 647 in 2024 to 547 in 2025 and the number of drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians who perished dipped from 684 in 2024 to 582 in 2025. Motorcyclist fatalities in 2025 showed an approximate 40% decline, from the historic high of 120 in 2024 to 72 last year.
Preliminary data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates an 8% decline in fatalities on the nation’s roads during the first half of 2025. New Jersey was among the 38 states and territories experiencing a decline in traffic fatalities during that period. New Jersey saw a decline in fatalities in 15 of its 21 counties. Only Camden, Cape May, Morris, Hudson, Ocean, and Salem counties experiencing more fatalities than the previous year. Ocean County experienced the most traffic fatalities (63), while Hunterdon County had the fewest (6).
In 2025, HTS allocated more than over $20 million to various law enforcement agencies and strategic partners statewide, reinforcing their traffic safety initiatives.