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According to a news report to the Woodbridge Patch, a father from Old Bridge died in a parking lot accident in South Amboy. The man was picking up his child from the South Amboy YMCA’s after-school program when a vehicle struck him. The man was putting his child into their vehicle at the front of the YMCA when another vehicle ran into them. A representative for the Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy YMCA confirmed that the man died because of the accident.
After the accident, the victim was airlifted to the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that he was pronounced dead at the hospital. His daughter suffered injuries, but those injuries were not life-threatening.
The exact cause of the parking lot accident was not known at the time of the news report. The Mayor of South Amboy speculated that the driver of the vehicle might have lost control if his brakes failed on the steep hill that leads to the YMCA. However, the County Prosecutor’s office said the information was premature and unconfirmed. The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and the South Amboy Police Department continue to investigate the cause of the accident.
Parking Lot Accidents in the United States
It is estimated that more than 50,000 parking lot accidents occur each year in this country. These accidents result in more than 60,000 injuries and 500 deaths each year. When we think about a pedestrian accident, we tend to imagine accidents that take place when pedestrians are crossing the road or walking beside a road. However, it is important for drivers and pedestrians to remember that parking lot accidents can be very dangerous for pedestrians.
Tips for Avoiding Parking Lot Accidents
Drivers should remember to:
- Slow down – Speeding through a parking lot increases the risk of an accident.
- Avoid distractions — One of the most common causes of parking lot accidents is distracted driving.
- Look and look again — Before backing of a parking space, look behind your vehicle, check all mirrors, and turn your head again to ensure there are no pedestrians in your path.
- Use turn signals — Pedestrians and other drivers cannot read your mind. Use signals to indicate when you intend to park or turn in a parking lot.
Pedestrians should remember to:
- Avoid distractions — You also need to avoid distracted walking. Do not use your telephone or another electronic device while walking.
- Look and look again — You must also be very aware of your surroundings and watch for drivers who may not be looking for you.
- Turn on a light — If you are walking through the lot at night, turn on a flashlight app on your phone to make yourself more visible to drivers.
Drivers and passengers should be careful in all parking lots. However, if you are in a high traffic parking lot like the Woodbridge Center parking lot or lots where children may be present, such as the Fords Park parking lots, be extra cautious.
Hire a Woodbridge Personal Injury Attorney for Help
If you have been injured in a traffic accident in South Amboy area or Middlesex County, please contact the award winning personal injury lawyers at our Woodbridge, NJ office by calling (908) 561-5577 or use our online contact form to request a free consultation with an attorney at Aiello, Harris, Abate Law Firm.
From our office in Woodbridge, we assist clients throughout Middlesex County, including the residents of South Amboy.
Source: “Victim Killed Buckling Child In Car In South Amboy YMCA Crash.” Carly Baldwin. Woodbridge Patch. 30 January 2018.
