Woodbridge – Driver Extracted from Car After Police Chase

A man from New Brunswick led police on a chase in a stolen sport utility vehicle on Route 1 in Woodbridge before striking a pick up truck and crashing into a utility pole Monday morning, November 11.

According to police reports, the pursuit began at around 9:40 a.m. when police bag following the SUV after an alert about a missing vehicle. Police said the SUV’s driver saw the police cruiser and began to maneuver away and then sped off northbound on Route 1.

The chase ended when the SUV struck a stopped pickup truck at Route 1 near Smith Street. The SUV then veered off the roadway and crashed into a utility pole, snapping it in two.

Officers had to extricate the suspect from the SUV. The driver reportedly refused medical treatment for the minor injuries he sustain in the crash, police added.

We’re glad there were no serious injuries in this high speed chase. We hope justice is served and that the driver learns from this incident.

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.