Four NJ state troopers have been tragically killed in auto accidents on New Jersey roads in the last two years, with the most recent fatal accident occurring just last month. The current rate of fatal crashes involving New Jersey state troopers is among the worst in the history of the NJ State Police.

Frankie Williams was killed while driving his patrol vehicle on Highway 55 in Millville City, NJ. He was involved in a head-on collision when another motorist in a Toyota Corolla allegedly swerved across the median and into the wrong lane on the road. The violent collision resulted in catastrophic damage to the two vehicles. It took emergency crews several hours to clear the wreckage from the road. Meanwhile, Williams was transported to Cooper University Hospital in Camden NJ, where doctors tried valiantly to save his life. The other motorist, a 61-year-old man from Elmer NJ, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

Williams was a rookie trooper who had just recently graduated from the police academy. He worked out of the Port Norris Station in Cumberland County, New Jersey. Like Williams, the other three New Jersey state troopers who died in fatal crashes since the beginning of 2015 were all under the age of 32.

Williams’ death brings the total number of NJ state troopers to die in the line of duty to 71. Law enforcement officers always face dangers on the job because they put their lives on the line. In New Jersey, these dangers come in the form of fatal shootings, stabbings, assaults, and car accidents. In fact, the leading cause of death for NJ state troopers is auto accidents. Since the NJ State Police was founded in 1921, 50 troopers have died in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents. (By contrast, 15 troopers have been killed as a result of shootings, stabbings, and assaults.)

The same is true in other states, with national data indicating that the leading cause of death for all police officers is motor vehicle accidents.

Dangerous NJ Roadways in the Winter

The stretch of road on which the collision that killed Williams occurred is particularly dangerous, with NJ State Police records showing that there have been 12 fatal crashes on the roadway in 2016.

New Jersey has some of the most dangerous roads in the entire country because of traffic congestion, especially during rush hours in the morning and at night. The roads are particularly dangerous during the winter, when snow can quickly freeze over and turn into ice. That’s why all motorists, whether it’s a police officer on patrol or a commuter traveling to work at an office, needs to be careful and exercise caution.

If you lost a loved one in motorcycle accident on a New Jersey road or highway, you need to contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who is passionate about fighting for the rights of injured bikers. Andrew S. Prince of Team Law will fight to get you compensation for your loss.