NJ Man Arrested in Fatal Hit and Run Bicycle Accident

Intoxication and driving do not mix. A person who drives recklessly on the roadway can cause serious accidents as well as fatal injuries to others such as bicyclists.

Sadly, this recently happened in New Jersey. A bicyclist was killed in a suspected hit and run crash in Mountainside. A New Jersey man has been arrested for causing the fatal accident.

The crash happened on the evening of August  6 at the intersection of Route 22 and New Providence Road. The driver was traveling west on Route 22 when he allegedly ran a red light and struck a bicyclist before leaving the scene.

Witnesses reportedly saw a vehicle weaving through traffic, speeding and failing to brake before the crash. Police later located the vehicle about three miles away near Terrill Road in Scotch Plains. Officers found significant damage to the front of the vehicle and debris lodged in its windshield.

Authorities said the driver appeared impaired when he was stopped. Officers reportedly detected a strong odor of alcohol and observed that he was unsteady on his feet. Investigators also learned that he had been drinking heavily at a bar earlier that day. The results of a blood test were still pending.

The bicyclist, a 65-year-old Cranford resident, died as a result of the collision. He was an avid runner and cyclist who had recently retired after more than four decades working for the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.

The driver faces second-degree charges of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death. He remained in custody at the Essex County Jail while the investigation continued.

Fatal Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can be especially devastating because bicyclists have little physical protection when struck by a motor vehicle. Unlike people inside passenger vehicles, bicyclists are not protected by seat belts, airbags, or vehicle frames. Several factors can make bicycle crashes particularly dangerous:

• Vehicle speed: Higher speeds increase the force of a collision and the likelihood that a bicyclist will suffer fatal injuries.
• Vehicle size and weight: SUVs, pickups and other larger vehicles can cause particularly severe injuries when they strike bicyclists.
• Limited visibility: Drivers may fail to see cyclists, particularly at night, during dawn or dusk, or in areas with poor lighting.
• Distracted driving: Looking at a phone or otherwise taking attention away from the road can prevent drivers from noticing cyclists.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs can affect a driver’s reaction time, judgment and ability to recognize bicyclists.
• Unsafe passing: A vehicle passing too closely can strike a cyclist or force the cyclist off the road.

Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today

When impaired motorists cause bicycle accidents, the results are often deadly. A person convicted of such a crime can face many years in prison as well as other penalties.

If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a bicycle crash, get the help you need from a Morristown bicycle accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff. Victims may recover financial compensation to cover doctor’s bills, hospital bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and more. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (973) 455-1567.

Source:

nj1015.com/mountainside-fatal-hit-run-arrest/