Bicyclist Decapitated in NJ Crash

Traffic laws and signals are in place for a reason. Motorists need to drive safely and follow traffic laws at all times. When the light is red, they need to stop. When they don’t, serious or even fatal accidents can occur.

Unfortunately, this was recently the case in Elizabeth. A driver ran a red light, hitting a bicycle rider and causing him to get decapitated. The fatal accident occurred on the evening of August 12 at the intersection of North and Spring streets.

A 20-year-old driver ran a red light near an exit for Newark Liberty Airport. At the same time, a 35-year-old bicyclist was trying to negotiate the busy intersection. The vehicle hit the bicycle, splitting the bicycle in half and decapitating the bike rider.

A witness recounted the gruesome accident, saying it sounded worse than a car crash. The witness knew the victim. He was a homeless man who was smart, funny, and generous. The man was known to ride his bicycle around the area where he was hit.

The driver remained at the accident scene. It is unknown if the Union County Prosecutor’s Office will file charges against the driver, who has not been identified.

The intersection, which is near Route 1 & 9, is known to be a dangerous crossing for pedestrians. This is primarily due to impatient drivers who accelerate through yellow lights instead of slowing down and stopping.

Dangers of Accelerating Through Yellow Lights

Yellow lights are meant to slow down drivers, but many use them as a reason to go faster. Many impatient drivers accelerate instead of slowing down, which is risky. Here are some dangers involved:

• Increased risk of accidents. Yellow lights signal that a red light is imminent, and other drivers may anticipate that traffic will stop. If you accelerate, you may enter the intersection as other drivers or pedestrians are moving into it, increasing the likelihood of a crash. That is what happened in this case.
• Reduced reaction time. Accelerating through a yellow light reduces your reaction time. If something unexpected happens, like a car turning in front of you or a pedestrian crossing, you may not have enough time to react in time.
• Unpredictable behavior. Other drivers may not expect you to speed through a yellow light. This unpredictability can lead to dangerous situations, especially if someone else is assuming that you’ll stop.
• Legal consequences. Running a yellow light that turns red before you clear the intersection can result in a traffic ticket.

Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Bicycle accidents are often deadly, especially when motor vehicles are involved. Bicyclists need to ride safely and make sure to steer clear of larger vehicles, especially when they have the right of way.

If you were involved in a bike crash, seek legal help from a Morristown bicycle accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff. We have successfully recovered full and fair compensation for those injured in bicycle accidents since 1972. Get started by scheduling a consultation. Fill out the online form or call (973) 455-1567.

Source:

nydailynews.com/2024/08/13/elizabeth-nj-accident-route-19-bicyclist-decapitated/