NJ ranks third for fatal crashes involving aggressive or careless driving, report finds
A LendingTree analysis found 45.1% of the state's fatal crashes in 2024 involved at least one unsafe driving behavior.
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New Jersey ranked third in the nation for the share of fatal crashes involving aggressive or careless driving behaviors in 2024, according to a new LendingTree analysis.
The report found that 288 of New Jersey's 638 fatal crashes in 2024 (or 45.1%) involved at least one unsafe driving factor, including aggressive driving, careless driving, inattentive operation, improper driving or driving without due care. Only Arkansas, at 47.2%, and Louisiana, at 46.2%, ranked higher.
Nationally, the study found men accounted for 78.6% of fatal crashes involving aggressive or careless driving, while women accounted for 20%. Millennials made up the largest share of drivers involved in those crashes at 31.5%, followed by Generation Z at 27.7%. Together, the two generations accounted for nearly 60% of such fatal crashes.
LendingTree car insurance expert Lindsay Bishop said driver behavior plays a larger role than demographics.
"Millennial and Gen Z drivers often spend more time commuting, driving for work or traveling during rush hour and late-night hours than older generations," Bishop said. "That can increase their risk of being involved in a fatal crash. Regardless of age or gender, drivers who speed or disregard traffic laws more frequently are more likely to be involved in a fatal collision."
The report also found the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-150 were the vehicle models most frequently involved in fatal crashes linked to aggressive or careless driving. Researchers said the rankings likely reflect the vehicles' popularity as well as evidence that larger, heavier pickup trucks can contribute to more severe crashes.
To reduce the risk of crashes, the report recommends avoiding distractions, obeying speed limits, maintaining a safe following distance, not escalating confrontations with other drivers, taking breaks during long trips and using driver-assistance technology while remaining attentive behind the wheel.
