Over 300 people have died on Middlesex County roads in the past five years. A Middlesex County "Route 1 Safer Travel Initiative" identified U.S. Route 1 as a dangerous corridor, with 45 fatalities occurring there over five years. While specific intersections are not listed publicly by the town, car accident data indicate a focus on Route 1 and other major roadways in the region. How can you stay safe when traveling through these intersections?
What Are the Known Dangerous Corridors in and Around Edison?
U.S. Route 1 and Ford Avenue, just north of Edison, saw 183 crashes in a five-year period, resulting in three fatalities. Other areas of concern include Route 1 at intersections near Edison Mall and the Route 27 corridor, where heavy traffic volumes and turning vehicles often lead to collisions. Also, the New Jersey Department of Transportation has consistently identified Route 1 and Route 27 as high-risk areas due to the combination of commuter, commercial, and local traffic.
Why Is Route 1 in Edison So Hazardous?
Route 1 is a major north-south highway that runs through Edison and the surrounding communities. The roadway experiences extremely high traffic volumes, including a mix of passenger cars, buses, and large trucks. Frequent lane changes, multiple traffic signals, and vehicles entering and exiting at high speeds all contribute to the elevated risk. Congestion during peak travel hours increases the likelihood of rear-end crashes, while wide intersections make it more dangerous for pedestrians attempting to cross.
Which Other Intersections Pose Risks to Drivers?
Route 27 and Plainfield Avenue in Edison have been the site of repeated crashes involving turning vehicles and rear-end collisions. Amboy Avenue and Woodbridge Avenue also face heavy traffic volumes and complex signal timing that increases the risk of crashes. The junction of Route 287 with Route 440 and Route 1 near Edison adds to the hazard, with drivers often making last-minute lane changes.
How Can Drivers Reduce Their Risk of Collisions at These Intersections?
Motorists should always maintain a safe following distance to allow time to react to sudden stops. Observing speed limits is especially important on corridors like Route 1, where vehicles often exceed posted limits. Avoiding distractions, such as mobile phones, greatly decreases the likelihood of rear-end or side-impact crashes. Defensive driving, such as anticipating other drivers’ lane changes or sudden turns, can also reduce exposure to dangerous situations. Patience in congested traffic can lower the risk of aggressive driving and related collisions.
Why Do Intersections Remain Dangerous Despite Traffic Laws?
Even with strict traffic regulations, intersections continue to be hazardous because of human error, heavy congestion, and the design of roadways. Drivers often misjudge the speed of oncoming vehicles when making turns, and distracted driving remains a significant factor in crashes. The combination of high volumes of cars, trucks, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians in the same space increases the likelihood of accidents. Signal timing and wide roadway designs can also create situations that lead to higher crash rates.
Are Road Improvements Being Made in Edison?
Middlesex County and the New Jersey Department of Transportation have undertaken projects to address high-crash areas. Improvements have included updated traffic signals, pedestrian countdown timers, and expanded signage. On Route 1, efforts to reduce left-turn conflicts and streamline traffic flow are ongoing. While these changes can help, safe behavior from both drivers and pedestrians remains necessary to reduce crash totals.
Edison Car Accident Lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. Advocate for Safer Driving and Skillfully Represent Clients
If you were injured in a serious motor vehicle crash, contact our Edison car accident lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. today. For a free consultation, call us at 732-906-1500 or complete our online form. With office locations in Brick, Freehold, Edison, and Toms River, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout the state.
