Teen Killed, 2 Injured in Head-on Crash With Tractor-Trailer

It’s always sad when a young person is killed in a car accident. Teens often look forward to being able to drive. Many take the task seriously, while others drive a little on the reckless side. In any case, one wrong move can easily end in tragedy.

Sadly, this was recently the case in New Jersey. A Mercer County crash killed a student from Lenape High School and injured two other students. The fatal accident occurred on the afternoon of May 27.

The crash happened on Route 21 between Titus Mill and Hopewell Pennington roads. A Honda Civic was heading south on Route 31 when it veered out of its lane. It went into the adjacent lane and crashed head-on into a tractor-trailer that was heading north.

There were three students in the Civic. All were seriously injured and taken to a local hospital. One of the students, 18-year-old Jacob Swann, later died from his injuries. He and the two other victims were all friends. They were also members of the Class of 2025 and scheduled to graduate.

Lenape High School and Lenape Regional High School District personnel are working closely with the Burlington County Crisis Response Team to provide the community with counseling support as they grieve the loss of Swann. Swann was expected to attend The College of New Jersey after graduation.

The crash is under investigation by the Hopewell Township Police Department and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.

Why Do Head-on Crashes Happen?

Head-on crashes happen when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide front-to-front. These crashes are especially dangerous due to the combined force of both vehicles. These accidents often result from a driver drifting or swerving out of their lane, typically due to:

• Distracted driving. Looking at a phone or other distractions can cause lane departure. Even a moment of inattention can cause a vehicle to veer into oncoming traffic, leading to a head-on collision.
• Impaired driving. Alcohol or drugs impair judgment and reaction time. Impaired drivers may not realize they’re veering out of their lane, or they may misjudge a turn.
• Drowsy drivers may unintentionally cross into oncoming traffic. Fatigue is especially dangerous during nighttime driving or long road trips.
• Speeding or passing improperly. Drivers who speed or pass in no-passing zones (like hills, curves, or solid lines) often misjudge distances.
• Poor visibility or road conditions. Fog, rain, or icy roads can make it hard to see ahead and stay in one’s lane.

Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today  

 Teen drivers are not very experienced. They often engage in unsafe maneuvers such as veering into adjacent lanes and heading in the wrong direction.

Car crashes can be catastrophic or even deadly. Get the help you need from a Morristown car accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff. We will help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and physical and emotional pain and suffering. To schedule a consultation with our office, give us a call at (973) 455-1567 or fill out the online form.

Source:

nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/deadly-car-truck-crash-route-31-mercer-county-new-jersey/4195786/