Upper Saddle River – Driver Hurt in Route 17 Crash

A driver was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after crashing into a tree and utility pole on Route 17 Sunday morning, January 12.

Police reports say that the victim, identified as a 58 year-old man from Paterson, was driving southbound on Route 17 at around 7:30 a.m. when the driver suffered from a medical episode, causing the car to veer off the roadway. The car then struck a tree and a utility pole, toppling wires over the roadway.

The driver sustained moderate, but non-life-threatening injuries, and was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center for treatment.

Route 17 was closed in both directions due to the crash, with the northbound lanes opening back up at around 11:15 a.m. and the southbound lanes reopening around noon.

First and foremost, we hope the driver is in good condition. We wish the driver a speedy recovery from the injuries sustained in the 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.