Petition Looks To Improve Traffic Safety After Bridgewater Girl Killed By Pickup Truck

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Tragedy struck Bridgewater on April 2 when a township 11-year-old girl was riding her bike and was fatally hit by a pickup truck. Now a petition has been launched to improve traffic safety in the area.

Maikol Vargas, who lives in the Finderne section of the township, launched a petition on April 4 and it has since gained more than 1,800 signatures.

"I recently started a petition to urge and get the attention of local officials as the intersections of Fulton Ave have become dangerous over the past 6 months," said Vargas. "After the terrible accident involving the young child, my heart is shaken. My neighbor’s son was with Victoria and friends when this happened. It’s very sad for all those in the community."

Vargas claims that over the past 6 months there has been a wave of car crashes and serious injuries in the intersections of Fulton Ave and 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th streets.

"The cause of this is due to reckless driving habits of local residents. The speed limit is 25 and the stop signs are ineffective as I myself and dozens of witnesses can tell you people blow right through the stop signs without regard for human life," said Vargas.

For more information or to sign the petition click here.

Bridgewater Police Lt. Kevin Lamey said there have been a small handful of accidents reported at the Fulton Avenue intersections and 10 dating back to 2012 including a hit and run in 2018.

Lamey said a big problem is a hill going into Manville on Finderne Avenue which can cause sight issues when approaching 4th Street.

Bridgewater Police Chief Paul Payne extended his condolence to the Bastos family and said the department would be looking into any safety issues:

"The Traffic Safety Bureau and the Township will be working together in the future weeks to identify any areas that may need improvements. We need to look at the data to determine the best course of action. Those actions could include adding additional stop signs at the intersections and addressing any parking issues that create unsafe conditions and view obstructions such as parking within a certain distance of an intersection, crosswalk, or stop signs, and violations of state laws. These parking violations may create view obstructions for pedestrians, bicyclists, and operators of motor vehicles in the neighborhood. If it is determined by the traffic studies that there is a speeding issue, we will address those issues with enforcement and education," said Payne.

Victoria Pereira Bastos was hit at the intersection of Fulton Street and 3rd Street by Maria A. Toribio, 22, of Bridgewater, said Bridgewater Police Officer Kevin Florczak. Read More: Young Girl Hit, Killed By Pickup Truck At Bridgewater Intersection

Toribio has not yet been charged or issued any summonses in connection with the fatal crash as the investigation is still ongoing, said Payne.

"The Bridgewater Police Department Traffic Safety Bureau continues to work with the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office CAR Team on this crash. The public wants hard facts about the cause of the crash right away. We are asking that they please give us time to conduct a fair and objective investigation for all the families involved in this tragic event," said Payne.

Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench also extended his condolences to the Bastos family.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Victoria Bastos. I cannot fathom the overwhelming grief Victoria’s family is going through right now. I speak for myself, my family, the Council, and the whole town when I say our prayers are with them, and with Victoria. All of Bridgewater grieves this terrible loss," said Moench.

A funeral service was held Friday at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung for Victoria.

In an effort to alleviate some stress from the Bastos' family, a fundraiser on GoFundMe was set up. It has raised more than $71,000 as of Monday. Read More: Support Surges For Bridgewater Girl Killed While Riding Bike

"Victoria was an excellent student who was extremely well liked by her classmates and teachers alike. She had an outgoing personality and was a positive force in her classes and throughout the building," said Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School Superintendent Robert Beers. "Victoria had a love for volleyball and was the captain of her volleyball team."

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