Harrison – Pedestrian Struck and Killed on Route 280

A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a truck on Route 280 in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 11.

According to reports from the New Jersey State Police, the unidentified victim was walking in the middle of the eastbound lanes of Route 280 near exit 16E – Essex Street when the pedestrian was struck by a truck at around 1:25 a.m.

When emergency responders arrived at the scene, they found the unidentified pedestrian lying on the roadway, unconscious and unresponsive. The pedestrian was declared dead at the scene.

Police are still investigating the incident and is trying to discover why the victim was walking in the middle of the highway.

We would like to send our condolences to the family of the deceased. May they find the strength and courage to move forward from this tragic accident.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are one of the most fatal types of crashes that happen on the roadways of New Jersey. In a report compiled by the New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident Investigation Unit says that in 2017, there were a total of 179 pedestrian crashes which resulted in 35 injuries and 183 fatalities. 91 of these fatalities happened because the pedestrian was crossing at a prohibited area, and 40 fatal crashes happened while the pedestrian was crossing at a marked crosswalk.

New Jersey law states that a driver of a vehicle must stop and stay stopped for a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk, but shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except at crosswalks when the movement of traffic is being regulated by police officers or traffic control signals. Pedestrians must also obey pedestrian signals and use crosswalks at signalized intersections. Drivers and pedestrians who fail to follow these laws may face a hefty fine.

We urge drivers and pedestrians alike to observe and follow laws so that the roadways can be safer for everyone.