After Spate of Accidents, New Jersey Motorists Warned Against Walking on Highways
This year alone, four people have died in accidents walking on the New Jersey Turnpike or the Garden State Parkway. Only four months into 2009, and the death toll has already touched the number of drivers killed walking on these two highways, the busiest in New Jersey, in 2008.
The problem is serious enough for the New Jersey Turnpike authority to launch an education campaign asking motorists to remain in their cars when they pull over. Both the turnpike and parkway are New Jersey's busiest highways, and approximately 2 million vehicles use these highways every day. The awareness campaign encourages drivers to stay in their cars, and not step out. It includes warning signs that have been posted on electronic message boards along the turnpike or the parkway. Over the next few weeks, authorities plan to have fliers and signs warning motorists on rest stops and toll plazas.
MonmouthCounty Accident Attorneys
MonmouthCounty accident lawyers have come across such behavior from motorists. While some get off to inspect a blown out tire or other car problem, others may be under the influence of alcohol when they get hit by a vehicle on the busy highway. In almost all cases, the collision between a pedestrian on the highway and a vehicle is either fatal, or leaves the pedestrian with very serious injuries.
Motorists may either not be aware of how dangerous getting out of your vehicle on a busy highway is, or may be under the influence of alcohol, and simply don’t' care. In some cases, the accident is the result of pure bad luck, while in others, drivers don’t realize the consequences of their actions until it’s too late. Like Barry Gilman, an East Brunswick resident who pulled his car over on the turnpike. The car it appears, was accidentally put in reverse, and drifted off onto the highway. In a panic, Gilman tried to follow his car to stop it. He never made it. He was hit by a tractor trailer, and died.
