Traffic deaths in New Jersey remain on the rise even after a 14-year record high in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The DOT released stats that show traffic deaths are up 13.7%.

Drivers say they wish people would slow down and not drive so wild.

"People drive like maniacs in New Jersey," says Brittany Dinelle. "I've lived here my whole life. I don't know why people are in such a rush."

Louis Gentile, deputy chief of Passaic police, says the pandemic changed behaviors on the road drastically. He says this year drivers had to adjust to a higher number of people back on the road.

"There were fewer cars on the road," says Gentile. "People became a little freer because of less cars, they would go a little faster. They would also disregard safety signs. A little less concerned to stop at a stop sign."

Keith Fletcher says it would be great if people were less aggressive on the road.

"Definitely the Turnpike is crazy, people are trying to get to south Jersey as quickly as possible," says Fletcher. "If people could drive less aggressively to get where they have to go that would be great."

The DOT also cited the failure to wear seatbelts and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs as contributing to the increase in traffic fatalities.