South Jersey is home to beautiful towns, stunning coastal views, and vibrant communities, but like any densely populated area, it has its fair share of bad driving. Some roads in the region are notorious for their high traffic volumes, unsafe driving practices, and general chaos. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, navigating these roads can be a nerve-wracking experience. So, if you want to avoid a stressful drive or an accident, here are the 14 worst roads in South Jersey that are notorious for bad drivers.
1. Atlantic City Expressway
The Atlantic City Expressway is one of the busiest roads in the region. During weekends and holidays, traffic can come to a standstill as people head to Atlantic City. The high volume of vehicles often leads to road rage, speeding, and reckless driving. Additionally, the frequent exits and on-ramps make it a challenge to navigate, as drivers constantly merge or change lanes without signaling. All these factors contribute to the chaos and danger of the Atlantic City Expressway.
2. Garden State Parkway
The Garden State Parkway is another road notorious for reckless driving in South Jersey. The stretch between Toms River and Somers Point sees a lot of impatient drivers, often speeding or tailgating. While the road has plenty of exits and rest stops, it also has some tricky areas where traffic can come to a halt.
This is the perfect recipe for accidents, and the presence of construction zones only adds to the problem. Drivers need to stay alert, as the mix of aggressive driving and frequent congestion can make this road one of the most dangerous in the region.
3. Route 42
Route 42 is a major road running between Camden and Turnersville, and it’s known for its dangerous driving habits. This road has a lot of traffic, especially during rush hours, and drivers are often in a hurry. Unfortunately, that leads to speeding, failure to yield, and improper lane changes. The road is lined with shopping centers, offices, and residential areas, so there’s a lot of merging in and out of lanes. Combined with impatient drivers, it’s easy to see why Route 42 is a hotspot for accidents.
4. Route 55
Route 55 runs from Glassboro to Vineland, and it’s one of the busiest highways in South Jersey. During rush hours, it becomes heavily congested, and drivers often get frustrated. The combination of high-speed lanes and slower-moving vehicles can create dangerous situations, especially when drivers change lanes abruptly or don’t signal. The road’s multiple intersections can also lead to accidents, particularly when drivers don’t obey the traffic signals.
5. Route 73
Route 73 is another key road in South Jersey that frequently experiences bad driving behavior. Stretching through Mount Laurel and Cherry Hill, this road is busy with commuters, shoppers, and locals. The combination of long stretches of road, stoplights, and intersections creates an environment where drivers tend to rush or make poor driving decisions. This road is also known for aggressive drivers who frequently speed or change lanes abruptly without warning, putting everyone on the road at risk.
6. Route 70
Route 70, a major thoroughfare running from the shore to Philadelphia, is often congested and a source of road rage. With multiple intersections, busy shopping areas, and frequent stoplights, drivers often feel the pressure to rush through traffic. Unfortunately, this leads to dangerous driving practices, including speeding, weaving through lanes, and ignoring traffic signals. Route 70 is one of the roads where the pressure to get to the destination quickly can lead to disastrous results.
7. Route 38
Route 38, located in Cherry Hill, is another road that suffers from heavy traffic and reckless driving. The combination of stores, shopping malls, and office buildings along the road means that drivers are often distracted, rushing through intersections, or making sudden lane changes. During peak hours, this road can feel like a raceway, with drivers frequently cutting off others or speeding to reach their destination faster. This leads to a lot of fender benders and frustrating delays.
8. Route 130
Route 130 is a well-known highway that stretches through towns like Pennsauken and Delran, and it’s famous for its heavy traffic and bad driving habits. This busy road sees a lot of drivers weaving in and out of lanes, trying to get ahead of others.
The high volume of truck traffic makes it even more difficult for regular commuters, as trucks often block lanes or move too slowly. Route 130 is also known for frequent accidents caused by drivers who are either too aggressive or not paying attention to their surroundings.
9. Black Horse Pike
The Black Horse Pike runs from Atlantic City to Philadelphia and is another road with a reputation for dangerous driving. Speeding and tailgating are common on this road, as drivers try to pass each other quickly. The road is full of sharp turns, busy intersections, and multiple lanes, all of which create a perfect storm for accidents. With drivers constantly trying to get ahead, it’s easy for things to go wrong on the Black Horse Pike.
10. Route 9
Route 9 is another major road that spans across South Jersey, including areas like Egg Harbor Township. The road has a lot of traffic, especially during rush hours, as it connects many communities and businesses. However, drivers are often impatient, making sudden lane changes or cutting in and out of traffic without signaling. The road’s many intersections and pedestrian crossings add another level of risk for accidents.
11. Route 322
Route 322 connects to Route 42 and runs through South Jersey. This road is particularly known for speeding and heavy traffic, which can result in accidents. The road has multiple lanes, and drivers often try to navigate it quickly, even if it means cutting across multiple lanes. The combination of impatient drivers and truck traffic can make Route 322 a dangerous place to drive, especially during the evening rush.
12. Route 49
Route 49 runs through parts of Cumberland County and is another road where drivers are prone to speeding and aggressive behavior. The lack of clear signage in some areas adds to the confusion, and drivers often fail to yield or signal when changing lanes. The road has its share of poor visibility and sharp turns, which only contribute to its dangerous reputation.
13. Route 82
Route 82, which runs through the southern part of South Jersey, is another road known for reckless driving. The sharp turns, narrow lanes, and inconsistent road conditions make it a challenging route to navigate. Drivers tend to speed through this area, taking unnecessary risks. The road is also poorly lit in certain areas, adding to the danger, especially at night.
14. Route 72
Route 72, especially around Barnegat and Stafford, is another problematic road. The road has several tight curves, and when traffic builds up, it becomes difficult to navigate safely. Drivers tend to weave through lanes to get ahead, often cutting off others or taking risks. The combination of dangerous curves and impatient drivers makes Route 72 one of the worst roads in South Jersey.
Conclusion
South Jersey is full of beautiful roads, but many of them also come with dangerous driving conditions. These 14 roads stand out as the most notorious for bad driving habits, heavy traffic, and accidents. Whether you’re heading to the shore or just trying to get to work, it’s important to stay cautious and alert on these routes. By being aware of these dangerous roads, you can avoid accidents and make your journey a little less stressful.
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