Westfield Mayor Says Four Crashes Were Caused by Distracted Driving in Four Days

Though the dangers associated with distracted driving are well known, motorists continue this dangerous behavior, triggering accidents on major highways and small-town streets. Whether a driver is texting, looking at their dashboard display, eating or doing something else that takes their focus away from the road, they are putting themselves and others at risk.

On highways and in downtown areas, motorists who are not paying attention cause serious crashes every day in New Jersey. In fact, during a four-day period in December, there were four accidents in the Union County town of Westfield, all of which were caused by distracted driving. According to Mayor Shelly Brindle, none of the vehicle operators were speeding, but they committed traffic violations that included running a stop sign and striking an e-scooter rider in a crosswalk. 

Mayor Brindle noted that along with the standard distractions, winter weather and the holiday season create more potential reasons why drivers might take their eye off the road, such as:

• Increased activity — Downtown shopping areas like Westfield’s see a marked increase in car and pedestrian traffic during the holidays. Extra lights, decorations and other signs of the season can divert a driver’s attention long enough for them to make a dangerous mistake. 

• Searches for parking spaces — In some areas, finding a parking spot is always a challenge, and things get much tighter with busier streets and weather that discourages walking. Someone who is scouting potential parking places out of the corner of their eye might not react in time to a suddenly appearing hazard. 

• Poor conditions — Ice, snow, potholes and other dangers associated with winter driving in New Jersey require drivers to use the utmost care behind the wheel. Evasive maneuvers to avoid black ice or a deep pothole should not take a motorist’s focus off of what’s in front of them. 

Regardless of the time of year, drivers are faced with more potential distractions than ever. While police reports frequently note whether distracted driving contributed to an accident, there are other cases where this crucial fact is overlooked. That is why you should find an attorney who has recovered substantial compensation for victims of distracted motorists and who can conduct a thorough investigation into what happened. 

In Bergen County and other parts of New Jersey, Seigel Law advocates for victims of distracted driving accidents and other types of vehicle collisions. To schedule a free initial consultation, please call {PHONE) or contact us online. Our office is in Ridgewood.