Lacey: Pedestrian Injured After Being Struck by DUI

A pedestrian was hospitalized after being struck by an intoxicated driver on Lacey Road Sunday evening, December 15.

Police investigating the case say that the crash occurred near the intersection of Lacey Road and Holmes Avenue at approximately 5:41 p.m.

When emergency responders arrived, they found the victim prone on the ground, suffering from severe injuries. The victim was quickly taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for further examination and treatment. The victim regained consciousness on the way to the hospital but was unable to supply identification.

A drunk driver, identified as 40 year-old David Winkle, was charged with driving while intoxicated. Other charges are pending.

We would like to send our sympathies to the victim injured in this accident. We hope the victim recovers well, and the driver is more responsible on the road next time.

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 was 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.