Route 70 and 571 Intersection: A Clear Danger

A recent feature news article in the Asbury Park Press focused attention on the increasing number of serious and fatal auto accidents at or near the intersection of Route 70 and Route 571 in Manchester Township.  Although the article provides a much needed warning to local residents of the danger of driving on this roadway, it does not provide a clear or replete analysis of the causes.  

The article gives the perception that there is a single cause of all of these serious accidents; that cause being driver inattentiveness. Statistics show that human factors such as driver inattentiveness do play a role in most accidents, but in the case of serious and fatal accidents there are other critical factors that contribute to injury and loss of life. To dwell on only one factor contributing to these unfortunate accidents is a mistake.  

According to the National Traffic Safety Bureau and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in addition to the human factors, both speed and road designs are additional causes of death on our highways.  Speed and road design should be carefully considered as causation factors in any discussion of the dangers posed by the intersection of Route 70 and 571.

According to NTSB statistics, speeds at or above 40 miles per hour significantly increases the severity of accidents. In the case of the intersection of Rt. 70 and 571, cars approaching this intersection from all four directions are near or above that speed. Considering the speed of vehicles approaching this intersection the combined impact of a head-on collision could approach 80 miles per hour, greatly increasing the likelihood that any collision will cause serious injuries or even fatalities.

A second cause that must be considered in any analysis of accidents at or near this intersection is road design and traffic flow. As commercial development at this intersection has increased so too have accidents. Commercial development by its nature alters traffic flow patterns causing cars to change lanes or stop abruptly, both of these factors add to the danger of this intersection. Given the speed of vehicles approaching the intersection, all lanes should be clearly marked and marked at a sufficient distance from the intersection to allow drivers to make safe lane changes with ample time and distance to do so.  In addition, the intersection of Wilbur Avenue and Rt. 70 is the sight of several serious accidents in recent months and represents an additional dangerous element. Careful consideration must be given by municipal authorities to reduce the danger posed by traffic merging onto Rt. 70 from Wilbur Avenue. Trees and vegetation, especially in summer months, need to be cleared and cut back in order to insure an unobstructed view of oncoming traffic and eliminate blind spots.

It should be stated that the Manchester Township Police are to be commended for consistently striving to make our roads and highways safe for all residents, but both municipal and state authorities could be doing more to make our local roads safer by addressing all of the factors that contribute to the recent increase in serious and fatal accidents in Manchester Township.