New Jersey Bicycle-Vehicle Accidents on the Rise

Deaths of bicyclists due to bicycle-vehicle collisions are increasing nationwide. Experts say that preventable deaths of bicyclists due to bicycle-vehicle collisions have increased by 6% across the country. However, New Jersey demonstrates the single highest increase, with 27 individuals killed in such accidents this year alone. That figure is nearly equivalent to the total number of bicycle riders killed in New Jersey for both previous years combined and shows that this is clearly becoming a crisis.

New Jersey’s Safe Passing Law

In order to address the increase in bicyclist deaths, as well as the increase in accidents and deaths of those using other non-vehicle modes of transportation, such as e-scooters, e-bikes, and pedestrians, New Jersey has introduced legislation meant to decrease such fatalities. The Safe Passing Law requires drivers to move over by one lane when they approach a pedestrian or someone who is on a scooter or bike. If they are unable to move over one lane safely, they must provide at least 4 feet of space to the bicyclist or pedestrian. If this is also not possible to do safely, the driver must reduce their speed to 25 miles per hour. Failure to comply with this law can result in a $100 fine. If their failure to comply with the law results in injury to the bicyclist or pedestrian, however, the driver will face a $500 fine and two motor vehicle penalty points. It is too soon to tell what kind of impact this law will have on the safety of bicyclists, pedestrians, and e-scooter riders, but so far it has created more awareness as to the issue and will hopefully cause drivers to think and be more cautious when they see someone on the road.

12-Year-Old Boy on E-Scooter Hit by Car

A 12-year-old boy who was riding an electric scooter in Middletown, Pennsylvania, had to be transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries sustained after being hit by a vehicle. The accident occurred around 2:00 p.m. at the intersection of Cherry Tree Farm Road and Chanowich Court. The officers did not state what they believe led to the accident but said that the driver involved remained at the scene and was cooperating with officers. The boy’s injuries are currently being described as non-life-threatening. It is unclear whether either party was negligent in causing the accident, and police have not commented as to who was responsible for causing the collision.

4-Year-Old Hit by Car While Riding Bike

A 4-year-old boy in Linden, New Jersey, is in critical condition after being hit by a white van. The boy was riding his bike while accompanied by his father as they crossed route 27. Police say the boy and his father were struck by the white van. The accident occurred on a weekday morning and was captured on video. The father suffered minor injuries, but the boy remains in critical condition. Police said that the driver of the van stopped after the crash and that a bystander ran to help the father and son. A police vehicle that happened to be located nearby was able to respond quickly, and the boy was transported to the hospital by ambulance soon after. It appears that the father and son were using the crosswalk, and there is no implication of negligence on their part.

10-Year-Old Student Hit by Car While Riding Bike to School

In Robbinsville, New Jersey, the school year got off to a bit of a somber start. A 10-year-old student was riding his bike to school along Pond Road when he was struck by a passing vehicle. The student suffered an injury to his leg and was transported to a local hospital, but his injuries are described as non-life-threatening. The crash is currently under investigation by the police. The police have not yet commented on the identity of the driver or whether criminal charges will be brought against them.

Schedule a Consultation With Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C.

 If you have been injured in a New Jersey bicycle, e-scooter, or pedestrian accident that was not your fault, our lawyers want to hear from you. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. will fight to get you the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to so that you can recover from your injuries and move on with your life. Contact Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. today to schedule a consultation.