Motorist’s Death Highlights Dangerous Intersection

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Just as with other states, New Jersey, too, has its share of dangerous traffic intersections, where the likelihood of accidents is increased and where statistical information logically calls for change. A recent case in point is an intersection in Elk Township in Gloucester County, where a July 19 motor vehicle crash took the life of a 32-year-old woman. The intersection has been identified previously by local government and media as problematic, given that a local road crosses a more major artery, Route 77, where the speed limit is 50 miles per hour. There is no traffic signal on Route 77 at the intersection. In last week's accident, Kilic Gulay entered Route 77 from Fislerville Road, after having failed to stop at a posted stop. A truck proceeding south on Route 77 slammed into her car and dragged it for several hundred feet. Gulay died at the scene of the accident. The trucker was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries. Elk Township officials have long sought to install a traffic signal at the crash site, but do not have the funds to do so. The state has given approval for a signal when local money is available. Police and other officials maintain that it is not always easy for riders on Route 77 to see vehicles entering from the side road, especially if - as did Gulay - they are improperly maintaining their speed. They cite to a recent four-vehicle crash at the intersection that flipped a half-ton Chevrolet Suburban on its side. Related Resource: nj.com "Crash kills woman at dangerous Elk intersection" July 21, 2010