Legal news for New Jersey personal injury attorneys— Pedestrian death toll had increased from last year’s total, according to the state police.
Trenton, NJ (NewYorkInjuryNews.com) – As of December 29, 2009, the death toll of pedestrians in the state of New Jersey has increased from 136 in 2008 to 155 in 2009 reported NJ.com.
As of today, 155 pedestrians have died in traffic incidents this year, up from 136 in 2008. Warren and Hunterdon counties have seen two pedestrian deaths each in 2009. Last year, three pedestrians were killed in Hunterdon County, and one in Warren County.
Statistically, the number of deaths involving motor vehicles wee decreased since 2008 from 586 to 578. State police reported that six pedestrians were fatally injured during last year’s New Year’s holiday.
In 2009, Warren County had two pedestrians who were tragically killed. The county’s second pedestrian fatality occurred December 6 where 33-year-old Anthony Kowalski was fatally injured along with his 26-year-old brother, Michael P. Kowalski, who survived after a vehicle struck them on Route 46 then the driver left the scene. There have not been charges brought against the driver.
There were two more accidents involving pedestrians in Raritan Township and East Amwell Township. In one incident, 42-year-old Robert Hanlon walked in the path of a car on Route 202. In the second accident, another man was struck while he crossed Route 202 at Old York Road.
New Jersey State police advise pedestrians with the following safety tips:
•Pedestrians are advised to stay off highways and interstates.
•When in a motor vehicle accident, stay in the damaged vehicle and wait for emergency responders if it is located in a safe spot of the highway, unless you are in the way of other vehicles.
•pedestrians should only cross streets at legal crosswalks.
•Do not wear earphones that distract or decreased your hearing capabilities or drink alcohol, especially when you cross the road or walk/bike near motor vehicles.
•Follow traffic signals, such as “Walk/Don’t Walk.”
Bridget Hom
www.NewYorkInjuryNews.com