Three people are dead following a head-on car crash in New Jersey.
The wreck took place on Route 9, near the Route 516 intersection in Old Bridge. According to police, a 45-year-old Howell man crossed from the southbound to the northbound side in a Ford Escape. The Escape almost immediately slammed into a 37-year-old Freehold woman in a Honda Accord. Three people – both drivers and a rear seat passenger in the Accord – were all declared dead at the scene; two other Accord passengers were rushed to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.
None of the names were released.
Breach in a Car Crash
Drivers have a duty of reasonable care towards other drivers, motorcycle riders, pedestrians, bicycle riders, and all others who share the road. In practical terms, this duty means that driver must ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, their vehicles are in good working order and avoid hazardous behaviors, both before they get behind the wheel and during their trips.
When driver fall short of this behavior, they breach the duty of reasonable care, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has identified some of the more common breaches. They are:
- Speed: Excessive velocity decreases reaction time, increases braking distance, and increases force, so avoidable near-collisions become collisions, and “fender benders” are elevated to serious crashes.
- Alcohol: As little as one drink impairs motor skills, reflexes, and judgement. Divers need all these abilities functioning at top efficiency to safely operate motor vehicles.
- Distracted Driving: Cellphones are dangerous because they incorporate all three elements of distracted driving, in that drivers take at least one hand off the steering wheel (manual), at least one eye off the road (visual), and their minds off driving (mental).
- Fatigued Driving: Research indicates that driving after 18 consecutive waking hours is the equivalent of driving with a .04 BAC.
Furthermore, according to NHTSA, adverse weather conditions are present in over half of car crashes, so many drivers do not slow down when the roads are slick or visibility is poor. If a breach causes serious injury, damages include compensation for both economic losses, like property damage, and noneconomic losses, such as loss of consortium (companionship and contribution to household chores).
A momentary lapse often causes serious injury. For a free consultation with attorneys who are committed to your recovery, contact Proner & Proner. Our main office is conveniently located near Grand Central Terminal.
