Fatal collision caused by wrong-way driver on New Jersey highway
New Jersey readers likely know that certain road conditions and bad weather events can pose risks to drivers. However, they might not realize that late-night driving, bad night vision and fatigued driving are all dangers that cause car accidents during the night hours as well. No matter the reason, drivers should be aware of their circumstances. This might mean slowing down, taking different routes or even pulling over to stop driving for the night.
Clifton police responded recently to a two-car collision on Route 3 at around 11:35 p.m. The crash involved an automobile and a sports utility vehicle. Authorities indicated that the wreck occurred when the SUV was traveling down a northern New Jersey highway in the wrong direction. A 44-year-old woman in her SUV struck an 80-year-old man in his vehicle head on.
When police arrived to the scene, the elderly man was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident. The woman who was traveling the wrong way on the highway was ejected from her vehicle and suffered injuries. She was transported to the hospital for treatment. Investigation is still ongoing for this collision. Although the authorities indicated that the woman was going the wrong way on the highway, the reasoning it not yet known.
The family of the deceased man who was killed in the accident could potentially file a wrongful death suit against the driver who struck his vehicle if the accident was a result of the driver’s negligence. Compensation from the claim could go towards medical bills, funeral costs, damages and pain and suffering.
No matter the cause or reason behind the accident, a wreck that results in injuries or fatalities can be very traumatic and life changing. It is also always important that drivers practice safe driving. If a driver isn’t a strong driver at night and has bad night vision, that driver should pull over, even if it is a familiar area.
Source: Press of Atlantic City, “Authorities: Wrong-way driver causes fatal crash,” May 27,2013
