The Danger Zone: West Orange Road Is A Crash Magnet, Records Show

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The headache begins on a two-lane stretch of road near I-280 that passes through the center of West Orange.

Coming fresh from a long straightaway with a 40-mph speed limit, drivers head east on Mount Pleasant Avenue through a traffic light, with a preschool and daycare center on their left, and a sign for the Garden State Parkway on their right. Soon, as the vegetation grows thicker on both shoulders of the road, they hit a flashing yellow traffic light warning them to drop their speed to 20-mph. The message is repeated on a yellow, diamond-shaped sign that is posted ahead like a retroreflective sentry. Drivers traveling too fast may feel their steering wheels vibrate as they cross over rumble strips in the asphalt. Then – just after the intersection with Leonardo Drive – the roadway begins a sudden and sharp arc, sloping slightly downward at the same time.

That’s when you reach the S-turn, and things really hit the fan.

Nearly 20 car crashes have been reported in the span of 40 months on Mount Pleasant Avenue between Prospect Avenue and Byrne Road, along the stretch of roadway described above. It’s a total that has some nearby residents asking questions and calling for action.

Patch recently reached out to the West Orange Police Department with a request under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), seeking reports for crashes that took place on the half-mile stretch of roadway between Jan. 1, 2020 and April 20, 2023.

Police provided records for 19 crashes. Luckily, there were no fatalities. But injuries were reported in nine of the crashes, as well as multiple instances of property damage.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the crash statistics, according to the police reports:

LOCATION – A whopping 12 of the 19 crashes took place at a tricky S-turn near Jones Place. Two of the crashes took place near the turn about 15 minutes apart from each other on a snowy day in January 2021. Road conditions were blamed as a factor in both crashes. Meanwhile, three crashes took place near the intersection of Prospect Avenue, and other crashes took place near Ridge Road, Leonardo Drive, Bradley Terrace and Byrne Road (one each).

TIME OF DAY – The majority of the crashes – 12 – took place during daylight hours. The seven other crashes took place in the dark, with street lights on nearby.

WEATHER – The road surface condition was cited as an apparent contributing circumstance in seven of the crashes. Four of the 19 crashes took place in weather that was “snowy,” four took place in “rainy” weather, two in “overcast” weather and one in fog/smog/smoke. Eight of the crashes took place in “clear” weather. Six crashes happened when the road surface was “dry,” and nine happened when it was “wet.” Four crashes took place when the roadway was either “snowy” or “icy.”

SPEED – “Unsafe speed” was cited as an apparent contributing factor in two of the crashes.

ALCOHOL – Officers performed an alcohol/drug test after one of the crashes, which took place when a driver swerved, collided with a utility pole and slid on the wet pavement. The driver was given an alcohol breath test, which resulted in an 0.30 percent reading. He was issued a citation for driving while intoxicated.

Patch reached out to township officials and the West Orange Police Department for comment about the crashes and was referred to Essex County, which maintains the roadway.

A spokesperson noted that the county recently reduced the speed limit from 40 mph to 25 mph on the section of roadway. Over the past several years, multiple steps have been taken to make the area safer, he added:

• Installed rumble strips to encourage drivers to reduce their speed
• Installed chevron signs to advise motorists of the curve in the roadway
• Installed guide rails to protect vehicles
• Installed flashing signal lights to alert motorists
• Installed an additional hill (downgrade) warning sign in the eastbound direction to alert drivers of the slope of Mt. Pleasant Avenue
• Requested more speed limit enforcement by the Essex County Sheriff’s Office and the West Orange Police Department

When asked to comment on the possible reasons why that stretch of the road sees so many crashes, here’s what the county’s spokesperson told Patch:

“Our analysis of the crashes concludes that the accidents are not attributable to the geometry of the road, but rather to the drivers of the vehicles involved in the accidents. Some of the reasons for the accidents, which came from the information in the [police crash reports], include the following: drivers operating their vehicle at an unsafe speed, driver inattention, drivers following another vehicle too closely and DWI.

The list of crashes provided in response to our OPRA request follows below.

CAR HITS CROSSING SIGN, WALL

Date/Time – Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020 (3:37 p.m.)

Location – Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Bradley Terrace

Weather Conditions – Daylight; Dry Road; Clear

Police Crash Description – “Driver 1 stated Vehicle 1 was traveling westbound in the right lane on Mount Pleasant Avenue, when an unknown vehicle – which was traveling westbound in the left lane on Mount Pleasant Avenue – attempted to turn into the right lane. Driver 1 – believing the unknown vehicle would strike Vehicle 1 – turned to right in attempted to avoid the vehicle, however, in the process of doing so, struck the Children Crossing sign at the corner of Mount Pleasant Avenue and Bradley Terrace. After striking the sign, Vehicle 1 went over the curb, striking the retaining wall at 1 Bradley Terrace. The owner was notified of the damage.”

Other Details – The driver complained of an injury to the neck, but refused medical treatment.

CAR HITS PEDESTRIAN: ‘CALL EMERGENCY,’ DRIVER SAYS

Date/Time – Monday, Oct. 26, 2020 (7:42 p.m.)

Location – Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Jones Place

Weather Conditions – Dark (street lights on, spot); Wet Road; Rain

Police Crash Description – “Pedestrian 1 stated that while walking eastbound on Mt. Pleasant Avenue (on the westbound shoulder, near its intersection with Jones Place), Vehicle 2 struck him on his right side, sending him into the air, ultimately landing on his left side. Pedestrian 1 sustained minor abrasions to his left calf and left elbow. Pedestrian 1 stated that he believed that the car was a dark-colored sedan, possibly with New York plates, operated by a male driver. Pedestrian 1 further stated that, after he was struck, the operator exited the car, told him that ‘he should call emergency,’ and immediately left the scene westbound on Mt. Pleasant. It should be noted that Pedestrian 1 was wearing a reflective strobe light as he walked.”

Other Details – The pedestrian refused medical treatment after the incident.

LOST CONTROL IN THE SNOW

Date/Time – Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020 (6:03 p.m.)

Location – Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Byrne Road

Weather Conditions – Dark (street lights on, continuous); Snowy Road; Snow

Police Crash Description – “Driver 1 stated while driving east on Mt. Pleasant Ave, [they] lost control of Vehicle 1 due to the heavy snowfall and crashed into a wall in the area of 200 Mt. Pleasant Avenue. The Passenger of Vehicle 1 had a laceration to the head and was transported to RWJ Barnabas for further medical attention. A check of [the driver’s license] revealed an expired license. Due to COVID-19 extensions, Driver 1 was not issued a summons.”

Other Details – The driver refused medical treatment after the incident. The road surface condition was cited as an apparent contributing circumstance in the crash.

SLIDE DOWN HILL AT S-TURN

Date/Time – Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021 (10:30 a.m.)

Location – Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Jones Place

Weather Conditions – Daylight; Snowy Road; Snow

Police Crash Description – “Driver 1 stated that he was traveling east on Mt. Pleasant Avenue when his vehicle began to slide down the hill while traveling through the S-Turn. Driver 1 stated that due to the snowy and icy road conditions, his vehicle traveled across the roadway into the westbound lane of travel and struck the guardrail. Driver 1 further stated that his vehicle continued to travel back towards the eastbound lane, ultimately coming to a complete stop in the wooded area adjacent to the road. Driver 1 contacted his roadside assistance and M&M towing responded and towed the vehicle. There were no injuries.”

Other Details – The road surface condition was cited as an apparent contributing circumstance in the crash.

LOST CONTROL IN ICY WEATHER

Date/Time – Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021 (10:45 a.m.)

Location – Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Jones Place

Weather Conditions – Daylight; Icy Road; Snow

Police Crash Description – “Driver 1 stated that she was traveling east on Mt. Pleasant Avenue and lost control of her vehicle due to icy weather conditions. Driver 1 stated that she tried to stop but could not and veered left out of her specified lane of travel, and struck a guardrail located on the north side of Mt. Pleasant Avenue approximately 200 feet west of Jones Place. Vehicle 1 suffered damage to the front right tire, which became dislodged from the vehicle. Driver 1 could not provide insurance information her vehicle and was issued a summons in violation of 39:3-29c.”

Other Details – The driver complained of an injury to the head, but refused medical treatment after the incident. The road surface condition was cited as an apparent contributing circumstance in the crash.

HIT A SNOW MOUND

Date/Time – Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021 (9:42 a.m.)

Location – Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Jones Place

Weather Conditions – Daylight; Snowy Road; Snow

Police Crash Description – “Driver 1 reported that while driving east on Mt. Pleasant Avenue, his vehicle slid on the snow-covered roadway and struck a snow mound on the south side of the roadway. Vehicle [was] unregistered and [the driver was] issued a summons.”

Other Details – No injuries were reported. The road surface condition was cited as an apparent contributing circumstance in the crash.

COULDN’T STOP IN TIME

Date/Time – Friday, May 7, 2021 (10:15 a.m.)

Location – Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Jones Place

Weather Conditions – Daylight; Dry Road; Clear

Police Crash Description – “Driver 1 stated while traveling east on Mt Pleasant Avenue, he could not stop in time and struck Vehicle 2. Driver 2 stated while traveling east on Mt. Pleasant Avenue, she was stopped in traffic and was struck by Vehicle 1. Vehicle 1 sustained damage to the front end of the vehicle. Vehicle 2 sustained damage to the rear of the vehicle. Vehicle 1 was towed privately by Twin Towing.”

Other Details – The driver of Vehicle 1 complained of pain to the head, but refused medical treatment after the incident. The driver and passenger of Vehicle 2 were not injured.

COLLIDED WITH POLE, ALCOHOL BREATH TEST

Date/Time – Friday, June 11, 2021 (11:28 p.m.)

Location – Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Jones Place

Weather Conditions – Dark (street lights on, continuous); Wet Road; Overcast

Police Crash Description – “The driver of Vehicle 1 stated he was traveling eastbound on Mt. Pleasant Avenue. Driver 1 further stated a large tree branch was laying in the roadway. Driver 1 stated he swerved to avoid the large tree branch. Driver 1 further stated he does not recall what happened prior to our arrival. Investigation revealed Driver 1 was traveling eastbound on Mt. Pleasant Avenue, and collided with a utility pole. The force of the initial collision pushed Vehicle 1 into a spin, causing the vehicle to land on its passenger side. Vehicle 1 slid on the wet pavement approximately 30 feet, and landed back on all four tires, subsequently landing in the grassy wooded area of the emergency lane. Vehicle 1 was towed away by Twin Towing and held for 12 hours as per John's Law. Driver 1 was issued two citations, (1) 39:4-50 and (1) 39:3-29.”

Other Details – The driver reported an injury to the face, but refused medical treatment after the incident. He was given an alcohol breath test, which resulted in an 0.30 percent reading.

REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER CAR

Date/Time – Friday, Sept. 17, 2021 (8:11 a.m.)

Location – Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Prospect Avenue

Weather Conditions – Daylight; Wet Road; Clear

Police Crash Description – “Driver 1 stated that she was stopped in traffic on Mt. Pleasant Avenue at a red light at the intersection of Prospect Avenue, when she was rear-ended by Vehicle 2. Driver 2 stated that she was traveling west on Mt. Pleasant Avenue, when she observed Vehicle 1 brake and then continue moving forward. Driver 2 stated that she believed Vehicle 2 was continuing to move forward and attempted to stop, but crashed into Vehicle 1. Vehicle 2 was occupied with one passenger. Driver 1 complained of pain to her right shoulder and neck, at which time the WOFD Rescue Squad was requested and responded to the scene. Driver 2 refused medical attention and signed off on same. Driver 2 was unlicensed and issued a summons for 39:3-10B (Driving without a License-Never Licensed). Vehicle 2 was towed by Twin Towing due to the disabling damage. Vehicle 1 is self-insured.”

Other Details – The other two people involved in the crash were not injured.

LOST CONTROL, JUMPED THE CURB

Date/Time – Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021 (11:57 a.m.)

Location – Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Jones Place

Weather Conditions – Daylight; Wet Road; Fog/Smog/Smoke

Police Crash Description – “Vehicle 1 stated she was traveling west on Mt. Pleasant Avenue, when Vehicle 2 crossed the double yellow and sideswiped her vehicle. Vehicle 2 stated while traveling east on Mt. Pleasant Ave at the S-turns, he lost control due to the wet ground. In doing so, he struck Vehicle 1 and jumped the curb onto the property of 233 Mt. Pleasant Avenue. Vehicle 2 also struck a pile of rocks on the side of the road. No injuries, one private tow, no summons. Part of the grass on 233 Mt. Pleasant Avenue was ripped up due to the crash. (UPDATE ON DEC. 21): Crash also caused damage to the property of 227 Mount Pleasant Avenue.”

Other Details – The road surface condition was cited as an apparent contributing circumstance in the crash.

RENTAL CAR DAMAGED WHILE PARKED

Date/Time – Friday, Dec. 24, 2021 (11:13 p.m.)

Location – Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Jones Place

Weather Conditions – Daylight; Dry; Clear

Police Crash Description – “The owner of Vehicle 1 stated that this vehicle is a rental, which was parked in front of 17 Jones Place. He further stated when he came outside to his vehicle, he noticed that the driver side had a small damage to the vehicle’s front panel. The owner of Vehicle 1 contacted HQ to provide Vehicle 2 insurance information the driver had left with him. The driver of Vehicle 2 was issued summonses for leaving the scene of an accident, failure to report and accident, and careless driving.

Other Details – No injuries were reported.

CROSSED OVER THE YELLOW LINE

Date/Time – Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021 (9:28 a.m.)

Location – Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Jones Place

Weather Conditions – Daylight; Wet Road; Clear

Police Crash Description – “The driver of Vehicle 1 stated that [they were] driving in the westbound lane, when vehicle 2 crossed over the yellow line and struck his vehicle at the rear driver side tire. The driver of Vehicle 2 stated that his vehicle tire slid and crossed over into westbound traffic and struck Vehicle 1 as he was travelling through the curve on the eastbound of Mount Pleasant Avenue. The driver of Vehicle 1 was issued two summonses for not having his license on him.”

Other Details – No injuries were reported.

VEHICLE ON FRONT LAWN

Date/Time – Saturday, May 14, 2022 (9:45 p.m.)

Location – Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Prospect Avenue

Weather Conditions – Dark (street lights on, continuous); Wet Roads; Rain

Police Crash Description – “Driver 1 stated that he was traveling east on Mt. Pleasant Avenue and as he approached the area of 233 Mt. Pleasant Avenue, he attempted to slow the vehicle by activating his brakes, but due to wet road conditions, the brakes failed. At this time, the vehicle ran left off the roadway and struck a tree located on the front lawn of the residence located at 233 Mount Pleasant Avenue. The owner of the residence was on scene when the accident occurred and stated that there was no damage to her property.”

Other Details – The driver complained of pain to the face. A passenger in the vehicle was not injured. The road surface condition was cited as an apparent contributing circumstance in the crash.

SLID ON WET ROAD, HIT STREET SIGN

Date/Time – Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 (8:27 a.m.)

Location – Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Jones Place

Weather Conditions – Daylight; Wet Road; Overcast

Police Crash Description – “Driver 1 reported that while driving west on Mt. Pleasant Avenue, his vehicle slid on the wet roadway, causing his vehicle to mount the curb and strike a street sign located on the north side of Mt. Pleasant Avenue. An investigation revealed that the vehicle mounted the curb and struck a street sign located on the north side of Mt. Pleasant Avenue approximately 100 feet west of Jones Place.”

Other Details – No injuries were reported. There was damage to the street sign. “Unsafe speed” was cited as an apparent contributing circumstance in the crash.

BRAKES LOCKED UP

Date/Time – Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023 (4:27 p.m.)

Location – Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Prospect Avenue

Weather Conditions – Daylight; Dry Road; Clear

Police Crash Description – “The driver of Vehicle 1 stated that she was traveling westbound on Mount Pleasant Avenue, when she observed Vehicle 2 stopped in front of her, waiting for the traffic signal at the intersection of Mount Pleasant Avenue and Prospect Avenue to change. The driver of Vehicle 1 stated that when she attempted to slow down, her brakes locked up and a warning light showed on her vehicle’s electronic screen, causing her to be unable to stop her vehicle and [it] crashed into the rear of Vehicle 2. The driver of Vehicle 1 and its passenger had no complaints of pain nor any signs of injury. The driver of Vehicle 2 stated that she was stopped in traffic on Mount Pleasant Avenue, facing westbound, when she was rear-ended by Vehicle 1. The driver of Vehicle 2 had no complaints of pain nor any signs of injury.”

VEERED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC

Date/Time – Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023 (6:05 p.m.)

Location – Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Jones Place

Weather Conditions – Dark (street lights on, continuous); Dry Road; Clear

Police Crash Description – “An investigation revealed that Vehicle 1 was travelling downhill east on Mount Pleasant Avenue in a right curved roadway when the vehicle veered off into oncoming traffic travelling in the westbound lane of Mount Pleasant Avenue. Vehicle 1 struck Vehicle 2 in its path of travel while causing a heavy front-end damage and leaving the vehicle disabled. Vehicle 1 then continued to slide across the westbound lane without its driver side tire/rim and struck Vehicle 3 in the driveway at 233 Mount Pleasant Avenue. The WOFD's fire engines and rescue units were dispatched to the scene due to an entrapment and injuries in Vehicle 1. Upon arrival of WOPD emergency apparatus, the driver in Vehicle 1 was immediately rescued, treated and transported to the hospital. Vehicle 1 and Vehicle 2 were towed away by C&L Towing. Vehicle 3 was left in the owner’s driveway. It should be noted that the driver of Vehicle 1 could not provide his insurance information due to him being treated for possible injuries and disoriented. Also, there was a language barrier/issue.”

MEDICAL EMERGENCY LEADS TO 3-CAR CRASH

Date/Time – Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023 (5:15 p.m.)

Location – Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Ridge Road

Weather Conditions – Dark (street lights on, continuous); Dry Road; Clear

Police Crash Description – “Driver 1 stated that she underwent a medical emergency and became dizzy, ultimately striking Vehicle 2. From the velocity of the hit, Vehicle 2 then struck Vehicle 3. Driver 2 stated that she was rear-ended by Vehicle 1 while traveling. Driver 3 confirmed the same story and was rear-ended by Vehicle 2. No injuries were reported. No summonses issued. Vehicle 1 suffered disabling damages and was privately towed from the scene. Vehicle 2 suffered minor damages, both front and rear. Vehicle 3 suffered minor damages to the rear.”

DAMAGED CAR FOUND UNOCCUPIED

Date/Time – Saturday, April 15, 2023 (9:45 p.m.)

Location – Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Leonardo Drive

Weather Conditions – Dark (street lights on, spot); Wet Road; Rain

Police Crash Description – “Units responded to the area of Mt. Pleasant Avenue, east of Prospect Avenue, on a reported single vehicle crash. As per the caller (NFI), the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash exited the vehicle and was walking west on Mt. Pleasant Avenue. Upon arrival, Vehicle 1 was observed to be unoccupied against the guardrail of the westbound lane, facing east with disabling damage noted to the driver-side front corner with airbag deployment. Vehicle 1 came back registered to a Ridge Road resident. The registered owner of the vehicle was issued summonses for Driving an Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Property Damage, Failure to Report An Accident, Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Damages to the Unattended Vehicle, and Careless Driving with Operating a Motor Vehicle Causing Property Damage. Vehicle 1 was towed by Twin Towing. [Four officers responded to the resident’s home] and spoke with the registered owner, who denied operating the motor vehicle at the time of the accident. [The owner] said he did not know who could have been driving his vehicle, and did not want to report the vehicle as stolen at this time. He stated that he does have cameras that may have caught who was driving the vehicle, however, he is unable to gain access into the account to view the surveillance footage at this time.”

Other Details – No injuries were reported. There was property damage to the guard rail located on the northwest side of Mt. Pleasant Avenue.

SKIDDED ON ROAD NEAR THE S-TURN

Date/Time – Monday, April 17, 2023 (8:45 a.m.)

Location – Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Jones Place

Weather Conditions – Daylight; Wet Road; Rain

Police Crash Description – “Driver 1 stated she was driving east on Mt. Pleasant Ave near the S-turn when she skidded on the wet roadway. Driver 1 further stated she crossed over the yellow lines and struck the guardrail. Driver 1 then stated after striking the guardrail, Vehicle 1 bounced off and came to a stop across from 237 Mt. Pleasant Ave in the eastbound lane of traffic. A witness stated he was driving west on Mt. Pleasant Avenue near the S-turn. He then saw Vehicle 1 cross the yellow lines and strike the guardrail, finally coming to a stop in the eastbound lane of traffic.”

Other Details – The driver of Vehicle 1 complained of pain in her face. “Unsafe speed” and “road surface condition” were cited as apparent contributing circumstances in the crash.

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