A young man is dead following a crash on Feb. 26 in New Jersey on Route 46 where it intersects Old Wolfe Road. As of the time of this reporting, charges have not been filed in the accident. According to a police representative, there is no indication that alcohol or drugs were involved in the crash.
Many accidents have occurred at this intersection, according to the chief of the local police department. The high-traffic area is prone to sun glare and westbound traffic has difficulty seeing other drivers turning onto Old Wolfe Road. The car accident happened when the driver of a Dodge Neon, heading westbound on the highway at around 8:39 p.m., made a left-hand turn onto Old Wolfe Road. Another vehicle was heading east on 46. The driver, a 28-year-old resident of Budd Lake, could not stop his Mercury Mariner, authorities said, and hit the Neon on the passenger side.
The Neon front passenger, a minor from Hopatcong, suffered serious trauma and was taken to a local hospital where he died. The driver of the neon, also a Hopatcong resident, was taken to a medical center in Hackettstown. The Mariner’s driver was taken to the same facility. As of this time, there is no word as to the condition of either driver.
Drivers who cross opposing traffic, as in this case, are obligated to be sure there is ample time to make the turn. If this is not done and an accident occurs, the driver may be considered negligent. When someone is killed due to the negligence of another driver, even in the same vehicle, the family may wish to speak to an attorney to determine whether a wrongful death suit is an appropriate remedy.
Source: Mount Olive Chronicle, “Dangerous Budd Lake intersection results in another death”, Phil Garber, Feb. 27, 2015
