NJ traffic fatalities down so far this year compared with same period in '25; far fewer than same '24 period.

Whether due to the heavy snows or other factors, fatal traffic accidents across New Jersey were lower in the first two months of this year compared with the same period in 2025.

Local, county and state government leaders in recent years have focused on ways to curb traffic deaths, particularly those of pedestrians.

Total traffic deaths were down 11% compared with the same period in 2025, according to New Jersey State Police data reported late last week. The total was down 29% from 2024 — a sharp decline.

Pedestrian deaths were down 8% from the same period last year and down 38% from the comparable 2024 period.

How old were those pedestrians? About 42% were from 50 to 64 years old — the 10 deaths amounted to the largest total for any age group, according to the state police data.

Ocean, Middlesex and Atlantic counties had the greatest number of deaths so far this year. Cape May, Hunterdon and Mercer counties had no reported fatalties, according to the state police.