Pedestrians who are walking along and crossing roads in New Jersey may be risking their lives. Route 130 is a highway that runs from Salem County to Middlesex County. Somewhere in the middle, one stretch of this road in Burlington County has been labeled the deadliest in the state for people traveling on foot. In New Jersey, car accidents involving pedestrians are at an all-time high for six years running.
According to experts, Route 130 has been recognized as the most dangerous since this analysis began. Tri-State Transportation Campaign ranks the roads in order by the total number of pedestrian deaths that have occurred. The road was not designed for pedestrian use, but for a heavy traffic flow of vehicles, and the infrastructure does not support pedestrian traffic.
Unlike turnpikes, which prohibit pedestrians because of higher speed and lack of intersections, Route 130 is situated with businesses, schools and bus stops. This brings a lot of foot traffic to the busy highway. Speed may also be a contributing factor, and studies show that 52 percent of pedestrians will die after being struck by a vehicle going 45 mph. That rate increases to 83 percent for elderly walkers.
Route 130 has posted speed limits ranging from 40 to 50 mph, and there are no crosswalks, bike lanes or sidewalks. This could be a lethal combination for those who travel this road without cars. Victims who have suffered injuries in car accidents and emotional and financial trauma may consult with a personal injury attorney. In New Jersey, a seasoned lawyer will help determine what avenues for legal recourse may exist.
Source: nj.com, “This is N.J.’s deadliest road for pedestrians — and the people trying to make it safer“, Amanda Hoover, Nov. 24, 2017