>Date Published: 2020/02/18
A crash on Ridgeway Road took down a utility pole, causing a power outage in the township Monday afternoon, February 17.
According to police reports, Ridgeway Road was closed in the area between Whitesville Road and Commonwealth Boulevard after a car crash took down a utility pole, bringing the pole and live wires down onto the roadway at around 1 p.m.
The driver sustained minor injuries in the crash and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The driver is expected to be okay.
Power was knocked out for about 1,600 homes and businesses nearby due to the crash, according to Jersey Central Power and Light.
Manchester police said that the roadway was expected to reopen 11 hours later at midnight and that investigation is ongoing.
We’re glad no one was seriously hurt in this crash. We wish the driver a speedy recovery from the injuries they sustained in this crash.
Vehicular Accidents
Vehicular crashes are one of the most common causes of injuries and fatalities in the state of New Jersey. In a report published by the New Jersey State Police Fatal Accidents Investigation Unit, there were 591 recorded fatal crashes that occurred in 2017, which caused 624 fatalities.
In 158 of the 591 crashes, Driving While Intoxicated (alcohol and/or drugs) was listed as the major contributing factor. There were 174 people killed as a result of these 158 crashes. Speeding was another major contributing factor to these crashes being listed as a factor in 61 of the crashes. Driving while distracted seems to be the biggest factor as it was listed as a cause for 196 crashes.
We urge drivers to observe and follow the laws while driving, and to remain focused while driving so that they can react accordingly to situations that may suddenly pop up on the roadway. Drivers should be more careful when driving while visibility is low, and they should also check their car before going on the roadway. Being more diligent and prepared can help lessen accidents on the roads of New Jersey.
Written by: Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers