Rear-end collisions happen every day on New Jersey roads. From the busy lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike to local streets in Camden and Atlantic counties, these crashes cause serious injuries and expensive vehicle damage.
Here are the five leading causes of rear-end car accidents in New Jersey and how to avoid them to stay safer.
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving rear-end accidents top the list of collision causes in New Jersey. Texting, adjusting your GPS, or grabbing a quick bite, all pull your eyes off the road. When the car ahead stops suddenly, a distracted driver can’t react in time.
New Jersey’s hands-free driving law prohibits handheld phone use while driving, but enforcement remains challenging. The law allows hands-free devices, but even these can distract your attention from traffic patterns. Even hands-free conversations can be distracting during complex driving situations like merging onto the Garden State Parkway or navigating the Route 42 corridor at rush hour.
2. Following Too Closely (Tailgating)
Driving too close to the car ahead is one of the most common rear-end collision causes across New Jersey, especially during rush hour traffic in South Jersey. The three-second rule gives you enough stopping distance, but heavy traffic often tempts drivers to close gaps.
New Jersey traffic density makes tailgating particularly dangerous. When traffic suddenly slows on routes like the Atlantic City Expressway, drivers following too closely can’t stop in time. Weather conditions like rain or snow increase stopping distances, making safe following distance even more critical.
3. Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases crash severity. On highways like Route 42, drivers often ignore speed limits or weave through traffic. Hard braking and quick lane changes can easily cause a rear-end collision.
Road rage incidents also contribute to rear-end crashes. Frustrated drivers may follow too closely as a form of intimidation, then fail to stop when traffic slows unexpectedly.
These behaviors create dangerous situations where rear-end crashes become inevitable. Speed limits exist for safety, but aggressive drivers often ignore posted limits during heavy traffic.
4. Weather-Related Driving Conditions
New Jersey weather creates challenging driving conditions year-round. Snow, ice, and rain mean longer stopping distances and less control. Coastal areas like Atlantic and Cape May counties face additional challenges with sudden fog banks that can appear without warning.
Why do rear-end accidents happen in NJ during weather events? Drivers don’t adjust their speed or following distance when conditions change. Even during poor weather, drivers are legally required to maintain control of their vehicle and adjust their speed and following distance.
5. Sudden Stops and Traffic Pattern Changes
Traffic pattern changes are one of the main causes of rear-end car accidents in New Jersey. Work zones on Route 42 or local roads can require sudden lane changes or complete stops. Construction projects throughout Gloucester and Cumberland counties create unpredictable traffic flows; if you’re not prepared, you may not stop in time.
Preventing Rear-End Crashes in New Jersey
Certain areas see higher rates of rear-end crashes. Highway on-ramps and off-ramps, particularly during rush hour, create stop-and-go conditions. Shopping centers and school zones also see frequent rear-end collisions as drivers navigate parking areas and drop-off zones.
Preventing rear-end crashes in New Jersey starts with defensive driving habits. Maintain a safe following distance—at least three seconds in normal conditions, longer in bad weather or heavy traffic. Stay focused: put your phone away, program your GPS before you leave, and keep your eyes on the road. Slow down in poor weather and plan ahead so you’re not tempted to rush.
If a Rear-End Accident Happens, Call Petro Cohen
Even the safest drivers can get hit from behind. Medical bills, car repairs, and lost work add up fast. While no-fault insurance helps, serious injuries may need more support.
For over 25 years, Petro Cohen has helped New Jersey drivers get the compensation they deserve after rear-end accidents. If you’ve been hurt, contact us to discuss your legal options.
Loading...