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Tragic Accident in Jefferson Township

It’s always dangerous to cross a busy roadway, and that can be especially true in New Jersey. A tragic accident occurred recently on Route 15 South in Jefferson Township that proves that very point — and reminds drivers how important it is to keep an eye out for pedestrians on our roads.

According to Jefferson Township Police, a 52-year-old man from the area was apparently trying to cross Route 15 South near the intersection with Tierney Road during the early evening hours of Dec. 6. A southbound 2010 Ford van driven by a 41-year-old man, also from Jefferson Township, struck the pedestrian down.

The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene of the car accident. The driver was also injured and was transported to Saint Clare’s Hospital in Dover for a medical evaluation.

A number of law enforcement agencies responded to the scene of the wreck, including the Jefferson Township Police, the Morris County Sheriff’s Department, the New Jersey Department of Transportation, Jefferson Township Fire Company #2, the Milton First Aid Squad and the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office, along with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. Route 15 was at least partially closed for nearly two and a half hours due to the crash. At the time of the last news report, the accident was still under investigation.

Although car-pedestrian accidents are all too common, it is important to keep in mind that pedestrians are killed when crossing the street at crosswalks with green lights, along the side of the road and even on sidewalks. There is often little a pedestrian can do to protect themselves from negligent, drunk or distracted drivers.

Every fatal pedestrian accident is a tragedy, and as drivers we simply can’t ignore the fact that pedestrians and bicyclists share our roads every single day. Please drive safely and carefully monitor the area around you for those who may be traveling without vehicles.

Source: NorthJersey.com, “Pedestrian struck dead on Route 15 in Jefferson,” AIM Jefferson, Dec. 10, 2012