A MONOC ambulance was traveling north on Broad Street in Red Bank when it struck a pedestrian crossing the street against the light, at Monmouth Street.
The pedestrian, Thomas Thatcher, 66, of Hackettstown suffered a minor injury but refused treatment at the scene from the crew of a second MONOC ambulance called to the scene less than two minutes later, at 1:17 p.m., said MONOC Director of Operations Andy Caruso.
“He was struck and knocked down and immediately got up,” said Caruso. “He refused medical attention and went on his way.”
Caruso said the ambulance driver had come from the Spring Street First Aid station in Red Bank, headed to a call in Middletown for a person suffering abdominal pain.
“We were traveling within the safe speeds, going through downtown Red Bank with regard to pedestrians when unexpectedly this person stepped out in front of the ambulance,” said Caruso. “Our drivers are well trained in operating emergency vehicles and act with due regard.”
He added, “The driver of our ambulance was naturally shaken up.”
Police Chief Darren McConnell confirmed the pedestrian was crossing against the light. Police did not issue any summonses, he said.
In meetings with civic leaders, The Two River Times is exploring why pedestrian accidents happen in Red Bank, a town that boasts lots of shoppers on foot as well as vehicular traffic. The newspaper is reporting on problems and potential solutions to issues like jaywalking, left-turning vehicle-pedestrian accidents, confusing crosswalk signals and speeding in its Crosswalk series.
Kelsey Guthrie, the manager of Yestercades, said crossing Broad Street can be dangerous. “I see a lot of people not stopping for people at the crosswalk — including myself. I’ve almost been hit multiple times,” she said on Wednesday, after witnessing the aftermath of the accident across the street. “People are driving in town definitely have to be more aware that this is a pedestrian town. It’s full of people walking around.”
Mayor Pasquale Menna, another stakeholder in the TRT initiative, said Wednesday that pedestrians must be mindful of traffic rules, “How is any government, how is any regulation, how is any rule going to protect someone who’s not looking where they’re going?
State Senator Jennifer Beck (R-11), another participant in the Crossroads initiative with an office on Monmouth Street, said the incident is an important reminder. “It elevates and highlights the importance of pedestrian safety in the popular town of Red Bank.”
— Christina Johnson and John Burton
