Serious accidents occur on the New Jersey Turnpike on a regular basis. Many of these involve commercial trucks, which make up a large portion of the traffic using this portion of the highway. In 2013, nine people lost their lives in New Jersey accidents involving large trucks, according to numbers provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Dozens more were killed in crashes involving smaller utility trucks and vans in the state that year.
Winter is quickly approaching, and with it come numerous grave risks for traffic on New Jersey roadways, especially high-speed highways like the New Jersey Turnpike. As reported by NBC Philadelphia, a devastating chain-reaction collision last February claimed the life of one man and involved 13 vehicles on the Turnpike. According to authorities, four tractor-trailers, two box trucks and a passenger bus were among the vehicles that crashed that snowy and frozen evening. Witnesses said the road conditions were like an ice rink. The unfortunate man who died had become trapped in his vehicle after the crash.
Road conditions that New Jersey residents face this winter include rain, black ice, fog, snow and slush. It is recommended that drivers reduce their speed and give other vehicles plenty of room, especially when conditions are less than ideal. When it comes to large trucks, it can be life-saving to remember that they are unable to stop quickly and can’t maneuver fast to avoid an accident. It isn’t possible to prevent others from causing an accident, but being prepared and knowing how to drive defensively in adverse conditions may reduce the chances of a crash.