Driver Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash on Garden State Parkway
Unfortunately, car accidents tend to increase around the holidays make roadways more chaotic. With so many vehicles on the road and things to think about, drivers get distracted and cause serious and even fatal accidents.
This was recently the case in New Jersey. A 22-year-old man from Elizabeth was killed in a multi-car accident on the afternoon of December 24.
The fatal accident occurred on the Garden State Parkway. The man was driving a Honda onto the parkway from the Exit 132 entrance ramp on Christmas Eve when his vehicle ran off the right side of the road near a Woodbridge entrance ramp.
The vehicle then hit a guardrail. The Honda continued on the ramp and entered the northbound lanes of the parkway. A 57-year-old woman from Barnegat was driving a Lexus SUV heading north on the parkway when she hit the Honda before colliding with a concrete barrier.
A 74-year-old man from Beach Haven was heading north on the parkway in a Ram pickup truck when he rear-ended the Lexus. The driver of the Honda was killed in the crash. The driver of the pickup truck suffered minor injuries, while the driver of the Lexus was not injured. The crash is still under investigation.
When Vehicles Hit Guardrails
When vehicles hit guardrails, the outcome depends on several factors, including speed, angle of impact, vehicle size, and the type of guardrail involved. Guardrails are designed to reduce the severity of crashes, not necessarily prevent them altogether.
Guardrails help keep vehicles from leaving the roadway, crossing into oncoming traffic, or striking more dangerous hazards such as cliffs, bridges, or fixed objects. In many cases, they redirect vehicles back onto the road or slow them down in a controlled way.
The most common guardrails are:
- W-beam guardrails. These are the most common roadside guardrails. Made of corrugated steel, W-beam rails flex on impact, absorbing energy and guiding vehicles back toward the roadway. They perform best in moderate-speed crashes but can be dangerous if damaged or improperly installed.
- Thrie-beam guardrails. Thrie-beam rails are thicker and stronger than W-beam systems. They provide improved protection for larger vehicles and are often used on bridges or high-risk areas. In crashes, they offer greater resistance to penetration but transfer more force to occupants.
- Cable guardrails. Cable barriers consist of tensioned steel cables mounted on posts. They are highly effective at absorbing energy and reducing crash severity, especially in median cross-over crashes. However, they can be hazardous for motorcyclists.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
When vehicles go off the road, the risk of an accident increases greatly. A car may go down an embankment or hit large objects such as guardrails, trees, and poles.
A Morristown car accidents attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff can assist you. Contact us to discuss your unique needs, concerns, and situation regarding any kind of car accident injury. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (973) 455-1567.
Source:
nj.com/news/2025/12/multi-car-crash-on-garden-state-parkway-leaves-22-year-old-driver-dead.html
