As New Year’s Eve approaches, a new study reveals that New Jersey is one of the safest states in the United States for travel during this festive period. According to research conducted by the personal injury law firm AutoAccident.com, New Jersey ranks as the fourth safest state for driving on December 31 and January 1. This finding provides reassurance for those planning to celebrate in various locations throughout the state, from house parties in Linwood to bar crawls in Sewell.
The study analyzed a decade’s worth of traffic fatality data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, focusing specifically on incidents occurring during New Year’s celebrations. The analysis found that New Jersey recorded just 3.01 fatalities per one million residents, significantly lower than the national average of 6.99 fatalities.
Insights from the Data
Over the past ten years, New Jersey documented a total of only 28 fatalities across both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The breakdown of these fatalities shows that 57.14% involved drivers, which places New Jersey at the 30th position nationally for driver-related fatalities. In contrast, 35.71% were pedestrians, ranking the state as 9th highest for pedestrian-related deaths. This statistic serves as a reminder for both drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant, particularly in densely populated urban areas.
The Northeast region of the United States excelled in safety rankings, with New Jersey (4th), New Hampshire (3rd), New York (7th), and Massachusetts (10th) all making it into the top ten safest states for New Year travel. This trend highlights a regional commitment to road safety during a time when many people are out celebrating.
National Context and Safety Reminders
Last year, the National Safety Council estimated that approximately 179 people could die nationwide during the New Year’s holiday period, with alcohol impairment identified as the leading cause of these fatalities. While New Jersey’s roads may be comparatively safer, it remains essential for individuals to make responsible choices. Celebrating responsibly and planning ahead are critical to maintaining low fatality numbers as the state heads into 2026.
For those still considering plans for New Year’s Eve, various events are taking place throughout New Jersey. From festive gatherings to community celebrations, there are plenty of opportunities to ring in the new year. As the countdown begins, ensuring safety on the roads will help keep the joy of the holiday alive.
