A Burlington County accident claimed the life of a New Jersey pedestrian. The crash is one of several in 2024 that have contributed to New Jersey’s status as the most dangerous state for pedestrian accidents. 

If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian collision, contact an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The team at Petrillo & Goldberg is here to help. 

What Happened In A Recent Burlington County Pedestrian Accident

A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle around 9:45 pm on December 2, 2024, on Route 130 in Willingboro, according to a report from ABC 6 Action News.  The pedestrian was later declared deceased. 

The southbound lanes of Route 130 were closed for approximately two hours as authorities investigated the scene and attempted to help the pedestrian. According to law enforcement officials, the driver stayed at the accident scene. 

The pedestrian’s identity has not been released, as the investigation is ongoing. 

New Jersey Leads The Nation in Number of Pedestrian Accident Deaths

New Jersey ranks as the US’s deadliest state for pedestrians, according to a study analyzing five years of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

New Jersey reported 3,030 total traffic deaths during the five-year study period. This number included 916 pedestrian deaths. Thus, pedestrians accounted for 30.23 percent of all traffic deaths in New Jersey – the highest percentage in the nation. 

Nationwide, pedestrian deaths account for 17.3 percent of all traffic deaths. Other states with higher-than-average pedestrian death rates include Hawaii (26.6 percent), California (25.9 percent), and New York (25.3 percent). 

According to the study, nighttime is a particularly dangerous time to walk on New Jersey roads. The study found that just over half (50.7 percent) of pedestrian deaths in traffic crashes occur between 6 pm and midnight. Weekends also tend to see higher rates of pedestrian fatalities; 43 percent of deaths occur between 6 pm Friday and 6 am Monday. 

The winter holidays from October to December also see higher rates of pedestrian deaths. The combination of longer nights, slippery roads, and elevated holiday traffic make the roadways more dangerous for pedestrians during this time. 

Pedestrian deaths increased nearly 40 percent in 2023, but total traffic deaths did not increase. The roads may be getting safer for drivers, but the costs are being carried by pedestrians.

5 Tips For How New Jersey Drivers Can Stay Safe on Local Roads As Pedestrian Deaths Rise 

New Jersey residents aren’t sitting idly by while pedestrian accident rates increase. Rather, many are calling for renewed efforts to make New Jersey’s roads safer for pedestrians. 

Work by organizations like the Vision Zero NJ Alliance seeks to reduce the number of pedestrian roadway deaths to zero, according to an article from the New Jersey Monitor. The Vision Zero NJ Alliance currently backs a bill that would create a commission whose goal is to reduce pedestrian and bicyclist deaths to zero by 2040. 

The bill focuses on creating safer routes for pedestrians and bicyclists. Supporters say the efforts will help boost human health and protect the environment as well as make the roads safer for those who walk and bike. 

Other organizations emphasize steps that drivers can take now to make the roads safer for pedestrians. The NHTSA provides the following safety tips for drivers:

1. Always be alert for pedestrians – they could be anywhere. 
2. When driving at night or in bad weather, slow down and take extra care, as pedestrians can be particularly difficult to see. 
3. Be prepared to stop while turning or entering a crosswalk. Stop well behind a crosswalk so that you and other drivers can see any pedestrians using the crosswalk.
4. Never drive faster than the posted speed limit or faster than is safe for conditions. Take extra care to slow down around busy pedestrian areas, school zones, and neighborhoods. 
5. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

Pedestrians can also take steps to protect themselves while traveling. However, drivers must remember that public roads are available for all travelers, whether or not they use cars. Drivers who take care to share the roads can prevent pedestrian collisions. 

What To Do If You’re Injured in a Burlington County Pedestrian Accident

If you or someone you love is injured or killed in a pedestrian accident in New Jersey, reach out to a knowledgeable New Jersey pedestrian injury lawyer. The team at Petrillo & Goldberg can help you protect your legal rights and seek the compensation you and your family need after a devastating event. Contact us today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.