The 10 Most Dangerous Traffic Locations in New Jersey and New York for 2025

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New York and New Jersey feature a mix of busy city streets, sprawling suburbs, and high-speed highways, all of which can make routine driving risky. Crashes occur frequently throughout both of these states, from congested urban intersections in New York City and Newark to rural highways in upstate New York and northern New Jersey, and the consequences can be severe.

Data from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) show that thousands of traffic fatalities and serious crashes occur statewide each year, highlighting persistent dangers despite modern vehicle safety improvements.

Here we offer a total of 20 of New York and New Jersey’s most dangerous traffic locations, combining crash and fatality data with local factors like road design, traffic density, weather conditions, and driver behavior. Whether you are navigating Manhattan’s busy streets, Jersey City’s urban corridors, or rural stretches along the New Jersey Turnpike or I-87, knowing these high-risk spots can help you stay alert, avoid accidents, and protect yourself and your passengers.

New York and New Jersey Crash Trends at a Glance

• Traffic deaths in New York and New Jersey remain a serious concern, with thousands of lives lost across both states in 2023 alone.
• Congested city streets, high-speed highways, and busy suburban roads all increase the likelihood of crashes. Snow, ice, heavy rain, and fog add additional hazards, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and elevated highways like the Garden State Parkway and I-87.
• Per mile, crashes on high-speed rural or suburban highways often result in more severe injuries and fatalities than urban intersections, even though traffic volumes are lighter. Drivers who travel outside major cities, especially on long stretches of interstate or state highways, must stay extra alert and cautious.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Traffic Locations in New York for 2025

1. Tillary Street & Flatbush Avenue Extension, Brooklyn

This intersection experiences a high number of serious crashes every year. Official reports indicate around 150 collisions annually, with around 30–35 causing severe injuries or death. Heavy traffic from multiple lanes, left turns without proper signals, and frequent pedestrian crossings increase risks. Street lighting is poor in spots, and drivers often misjudge gaps. Nearby commercial areas add extra vehicles during rush hours, creating more conflict points.

2. Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn

Ocean Parkway has seen multiple deadly crashes, including pedestrian fatalities. From 2012 to 2023, over 20 deaths and nearly 2,400 injuries were reported. High traffic volumes, speeding, and multiple lanes with turning conflicts make collisions common. Cyclists and pedestrians face higher risks where bike lanes are unprotected. Rush-hour congestion and nearby residential areas add additional hazards.

3. “Five Ways to Die” Intersection, Kingston

The traffic pattern where South Wall Street, Wall Street, Boulevard Court, Fair Street and Greenkill Avenue intersect is often called “Five Ways to Die” by many who reside in Kingston. The nickname is so well-established that Boulevard Wine and Spirits, a shop on one of the intersection’s many corners, advertises its delivery service with the catchphrase “Five Ways to Wine.”

Needless to say, this Kingston intersection is notorious for serious accidents. Complex lane arrangements and unclear signage contribute to collisions. Between 2015 and 2023, dozens of crashes occurred, some fatal. Drivers often misjudge right-of-way, and pedestrian crossings remain dangerous. Local proposals to reconfigure the intersection, including a roundabout, have yet to be implemented.

4. Merrick Road, Long Island

Merrick Road experiences many severe crashes each year. Between 2014 and 2023, at least 70 major accidents were reported. High speeds, heavy commuter traffic, and poor street lighting increase dangers. Intersections are tightly spaced, and sudden stops by drivers unfamiliar with the route cause rear-end collisions. Shopping centers and side streets add extra traffic conflicts.

5. Middle Country Road, Long Island

Middle Country Road has a long history of serious accidents. Data shows around 70 severe crashes between 2014 and 2023. Poorly timed traffic lights and frequent left turns create collision points. High-speed vehicles on long stretches often fail to slow for intersections. Pedestrian crossings near commercial zones increase the risk of injuries.

6. Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island

Hylan Boulevard sees many crashes annually, including some fatal. Between 2014 and 2023, over 70 serious collisions occurred. High-speed traffic, commercial trucks, and dense residential areas combine to make driving hazardous. Drivers often misjudge gaps when entering or leaving side streets. Poor lighting and inconsistent lane markings add to dangers.

7. 2nd Avenue & East 59th Street, Manhattan

The Manhattan intersection of 2nd Avenue and East 59th Street reports frequent serious crashes every year. Heavy vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist traffic all converge here. Drivers often misjudge turns and lane changes. Poor visibility due to tall buildings and multiple traffic signals increases risks. Rush-hour congestion adds stress and leads to more rear-end collisions.

8. Rivington Street & Clinton Street, Manhattan

The intersection of Rivington and Clinton has many severe accidents annually. Confusing lane patterns, frequent turns, and heavy pedestrian use create hazards. Vehicles often block crosswalks, forcing pedestrians to step into traffic. Nearby residential and commercial areas increase congestion. Street design and signal timing contribute to frequent collisions.

9. Roosevelt Avenue & 74th Street, Queens

This Queens intersection at Roosevelt Avenue and 74th Street sees many serious crashes every year. High traffic volume and multiple turning lanes create frequent collisions. Pedestrians and cyclists face elevated risks where crosswalks are blocked. Drivers often fail to yield, and congestion from nearby subway and bus stops adds to hazards. Poor lighting at night worsens the risk.

10. Jericho Turnpike & New Hyde Park Road, Long Island

This Long Island intersection has a high number of severe crashes annually. Vehicles often travel at high speeds, and sudden turns cause collisions. Poor signage and multiple lanes create confusion. Pedestrian crossings and nearby commercial entrances increase conflict points. Rush-hour traffic congestion adds to the risk of accidents.

While New York is home to some of the most hazardous intersections in the region, New Jersey is not far behind when it comes to traffic danger. From busy suburban corridors to high-speed state highways, the Garden State presents its own unique risks to drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. Let’s shift our focus across the Hudson River and take a closer look at the top 10 most dangerous traffic locations in New Jersey for 2025.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Traffic Locations in New Jersey for 2025

1. Route 1 & College Drive, Princeton

The intersection of Route 1 and College Drive in Princeton sees a high number of serious crashes each year. Reports show around 120 collisions annually, with 25–30 causing severe injuries or deaths. Multiple lanes, heavy commuter traffic, and left turns without clear signals increase the risk. Pedestrian crossings near schools and businesses add to hazards. Rush-hour congestion creates extra stress and sudden braking incidents.

2. Route 46 & Willowbrook Avenue, Parsippany

Route 46 at Willowbrook Avenue experiences many severe crashes annually. Between 2015 and 2023, dozens of accidents, including fatalities, were reported. High-speed traffic combined with frequent lane changes and poor visibility causes collisions. Nearby shopping centers add sudden stops and turning conflicts. Drivers often misjudge gaps when merging onto the highway.

3. Route 27 & Lincoln Highway, Edison

This Edison intersection at Lincoln Highway and Route 27 sees frequent crashes every year. Heavy traffic, multiple turning lanes, and frequent pedestrian crossings create hazards. Drivers sometimes run red lights or turn too quickly, causing rear-end and angle collisions. Congestion during peak commuting hours worsens the risk. Side streets and nearby commercial driveways add extra conflict points.

4. Route 130 & Raritan Road, Cranbury

Route 130 at Raritan Road has a long history of serious crashes. Reports show around 60 major collisions between 2014 and 2023. High-speed traffic, multiple lanes, and confusing intersections increase dangers. Pedestrian crossings and vehicles entering from side streets create additional risks. Poor street lighting at night worsens visibility and accident potential.

5. Route 1 & Nassau Street, Princeton

This Princeton intersection at Route 1 and Nassau Street has frequent serious collisions annually. Multiple turning lanes and high commuter traffic increase crash risks. Pedestrians often cross without warning, and drivers sometimes fail to yield. Congestion during rush hour adds to sudden braking and rear-end collisions. Nearby commercial areas add more traffic conflicts.

6. Route 70 & Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill

Route 70 at Marlton Pike sees many severe accidents every year. High speeds, turning lanes, and heavy commuter traffic contribute to crashes. Drivers misjudge gaps when entering or exiting side streets. Pedestrians and cyclists face higher risk near shopping centers. Poor lighting and unclear lane markings increase hazards at night.

7. Garden State Parkway Exit 131, Paramus

Exit 131 off the Garden State Parkway experiences frequent accidents, including injuries and fatalities. Vehicles often speed when merging, and multiple lanes create conflicts. Trucks entering and exiting the highway add extra risk. Sudden lane changes and heavy rush-hour traffic increase collision chances. Weather, like rain or snow, makes this exit especially dangerous.

8. Route 22 & Springfield Avenue, Union

Route 22 at Springfield Avenue experiences many crashes annually. Drivers often speed through the intersection, misjudging gaps and turns. Multiple lanes and frequent left turns cause collisions. Pedestrians crossing near commercial areas face higher risks. Congested traffic during peak hours increases the likelihood of rear-end crashes.

9. Route 46 & Rt 3 Interchange, Clifton

This Clifton interchange of Route 46 to Route 3 sees numerous serious accidents each year. Heavy traffic, high speeds, and complex merging lanes increase collision risks. Drivers often change lanes abruptly to reach exits. Trucks and commuter traffic create additional hazards. Poor visibility at night and during rain makes navigation more dangerous.

10. Route 9 & County Road 527, Freehold

Route 9 at County Road 527 has a high number of serious crashes annually. Vehicles frequently speed on long stretches, leading to rear-end and angle collisions. Multiple turning lanes and commercial entrances add conflict points. Pedestrians crossing in the area face increased danger. Rush-hour congestion and poor lighting make this intersection particularly hazardous.

Dangerous Interstates in New York and New Jersey

While many of the most hazardous traffic locations are found at intersections or surface roads, interstates across New York and New Jersey are also frequent sites of serious collisions. High-speed travel, dense traffic, aggressive driving, and complex merge patterns create dangerous conditions, especially during rush hours or bad weather.

In New Jersey, the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) are consistently ranked among the most dangerous highways, with multiple fatal crashes reported each year. In New York, interstates like I-87, I-278, and I-495 (Long Island Expressway) are known for heavy congestion, speeding, and sudden lane changes that often lead to rear-end or multi-vehicle accidents. Construction zones and outdated infrastructure further increase the risk on these heavily traveled routes.

Whether you’re commuting, passing through, or heading out on a road trip, it’s essential to stay alert and cautious on the interstates that connect the region. Understanding where risks are highest can help you make safer choices behind the wheel.

Get Professional Legal Help After a Traffic Accident in New York or New Jersey

Traffic accidents can happen in an instant, whether on crowded city streets, suburban highways, or rural roads. The physical, emotional, and financial impact of a crash can be overwhelming. That’s why having experienced legal support is essential. Metro Law connects accident victims in New York and New Jersey with skilled attorneys who understand local traffic laws and know how to handle complex personal injury claims.

From the moment you reach out, Metro Law guides you through every step of the process. They help gather and review accident reports, document your injuries and losses, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue the full compensation you deserve. Their team focuses on protecting your rights while reducing the stress and uncertainty that often comes after a serious crash.

Whether you’ve suffered medical expenses, lost wages, or property damage, Metro Law provides personalized legal strategies tailored to your situation. They work diligently to hold negligent parties accountable and help you get back on track with your life.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident, don’t wait to get help. Call Metro Law today at 973-344-6587 to speak with an attorney, explore your options, and receive trusted guidance through every stage of your recovery and legal journey.