>According to police reports, the driver, identified as 43 year-old Heather Lawson from Wyckoff, was driving a 2016 Land Rover on Lafayette Avenue when her vehicle crashed into another vehicle at approximately 8 a.m.
Officers who responded at the scene noted that Lawson smelled of alcohol. Lawson became irate and refused to take a field sobriety test.
The people inside the other vehicle, a 41 year-old driver, a 6 year-old girl, and a 9 year-old boy, all received minor injuries and refused medical treatment at the scene.
Lawson was charged with assault by auto, driving while under the influence, refusing to give a blood or breath sample, and other vehicular offenses.
We’re glad no one was seriously injured in this crash. We hope the victims recover quickly from their injuries, and hope the driver has learned to be more responsible on the roadways.
Vehicular Accidents
Vehicular crashes are one of the most common causes of injuries and fatalities in the state of New Jersey. In a report published by the New Jersey State Police Fatal Accidents Investigation Unit, there were 591 recorded fatal crashes that occurred in 2017, which caused 624 fatalities.
In 158 of the 591 crashes, Driving While Intoxicated (alcohol and/or drugs) was listed as the major contributing factor. There were 174 people killed as a result of these 158 crashes. Speeding was another major contributing factor to these crashes being listed as a factor in 61 of the crashes. Driving while distracted seems to be the biggest factor as it was listed as a cause for 196 crashes.
We urge drivers to observe and follow the laws while driving, and to remain focused while driving so that they can react accordingly to situations that may suddenly pop up on the roadway. Drivers should be more careful when driving while visibility is low, and they should also check their car before going on the roadway. Being more diligent and prepared can help lessen accidents on the roads of New Jersey.
Written by: Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers Last Updated : November 29, 2021