Reasons Why Some Spots in Newark See More Car Accidents Than Others

*Collaborative Post

Newark is a New Jersey city filled with business districts, different neighborhoods, and key transport locations. It has highways, busy roads, and a high number of pedestrians, so it has a great deal of car crashes in a year.

Due to reasons like heavy traffic, road design, and driving behavior, some areas in Newark see more crashes than others. If you often drive through car accident hot spots in Newark, knowing why such places are riskier will reduce your chances of a crash.

Let’s explore some of the key reasons why certain spots in Newark see more crashes than others.

High Traffic Volume Increases Accident Risk

Traffic volume of cars on the roads is one of the main causes of accidents in some places in Newark. Busy roads offer more opportunities for crashes, particularly during rush hour when everyone is in a hurry to reach a place quickly.

Major roads and highways like I-78, the New Jersey Turnpike, and Route 21 have heavy traffic on a daily basis. With so many cars traveling at different speeds, sudden lane changes and stops result in accidents. The more cars on the road, the more it provides opportunities for errors, distractions, or poor decisions that result in accidents.

Poorly Designed Intersections Cause Confusion

Intersections are very risky, particularly if they are not well-designed or have confusing traffic signals. In Newark, intersections with many lanes, narrow turning areas, or poor visibility confuse drivers.

For instance, places like Broad Street, Market Street, or McCarter Highway are challenging because there are numerous cars, pedestrians, and buses. Where drivers don’t know who has precedence or where drivers don’t pay attention to signs, accidents are more likely.

Reckless and Aggressive Driving

Newark, like most vibrant cities, has a lot of aggressive driving habits like speeding, tailgating, and running red lights. Drivers in a hurry will take unnecessary risks, which increases the chances of accidents.

Speeding is a primary cause of accidents. Areas like Raymond Boulevard and Springfield Avenue are prone to speeding drivers, and it makes it more difficult to stop in time when there is an unexpected occurrence.

Reckless driving also involves sudden lane changes and not yielding the right of way. In populated cities, one bad decision is like a domino effect and involves many cars.

Pedestrian and Biker Activity

Newark is dominated by numerous pedestrians and bikers, including around schools, malls, and business centers. Areas like Newark Penn Station and Ferry Street have high traffic volumes, which makes accidents more likely.

Drivers who don’t look out for pedestrians or bikers when turning can easily get into accidents. Poor visibility or lack of signs on crosswalks sometimes makes it difficult for drivers and pedestrians to remain safe.

Distracted Driving Makes Poor Choices

One of the largest reasons accidents occur in any city, including Newark, is distracted driving. With so many drivers on their phones, adjusting GPS settings, or eating while driving, they are not fully concentrating on the road.

Texting while driving is especially dangerous. Taking your eyes off the road for a split second can lead to a crash, particularly in stop-and-go traffic zones like McCarter Highway and Broad Street.

Weather and Road Conditions Challenges

Poor road conditions make driving more hazardous, particularly when added to heavy traffic. Some roads in Newark are filled with potholes, uneven road surfaces, or inadequate drainage. When drivers hit a pothole at high speed, they lose control of the vehicle, and accidents occur.

Weather conditions are also a contributing factor. Rain, snow, and ice render roads slippery, and the possibility of cars skidding or failing to stop on time increases. Roads with tight turns or steep inclines become even more treacherous during adverse weather conditions.

Conclusion

Accidents can occur anywhere, but knowing high-risk zones and reasons for frequent accidents can make drivers more vigilant and watchful. If you are a driver in Newark, always obey traffic regulations, stay alert, and drive defensively to lower your chances of being involved in an accident. Safe driving practices can go a long way in keeping you and others on the road safe.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.