RED BANK – An ambulance was traveling north on Broad Street Wednesday when it struck a pedestrian crossing the intersection, 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 accident 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.” “We were traveling within 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.
It’s not unusual to see people lose patience and cross against the light on Broad Street. On Wednesday, a Two River Times photographer observed at least 20 people crossing Broad Street at the Monmouth Street intersection against the light, some pushing baby strollers. The traffic light at the Broad and Monmouth Street intersections are equipped with button sensors to change the traffic signal for pedestrians. Those sensors, when pushed by pedestrians, change the signal in approximately 1 minute, 45 seconds; if the sensor is not pushed, the light cycle is about two minutes to go from red to green. While the signal may be green for the entire period, the actual period for pedestrians to cross – designated by a pedestrian silhouette – runs about 20 seconds (with the last 10 seconds counting down in red numerals). Mayor Pasquale Menna said those measures and times were appropriate to address pedestrian safety at that particular intersection.
As for Wednesday’s incident, Menna said, “How is any government, how is any regulation, how is any rule going to protect somebody who’s not looking where he’s going?”
But there are those who disagree. Crossing Broad Street can be dangerous for pedestrians, even when they have the light, said Kelsey Guthrie, the manager of Yestercades, who witnessed the aftermath of the accident across the street Wednesday. “I see a lot of people not stopping for people at the crosswalk – including myself. I’ve almost been hit multiple times,” she said “People who are driving in town definitely have to be more aware that this is a pedestrian town. It’s full of people walking around.”
In meetings with civic leaders, including Menna, The Two River Times is exploring in its “Crossroads” series the inherent conflict between pedestrians and vehicles and possible solutions in the active Red Bank community, a commercial and cultural destination.
State Senator Jennifer Beck (R-11), who is a stakeholder in this safety initiative, said of Wednesday’s collision, “It elevates and highlights the importance of pedestrian safety in the popular town of Red Bank.”
The Two River Times initiative has resulted in Red Bank requesting and the Board of Chosen Freeholders agreeing to study the intersection at Broad and Front streets where drivers and pedestrians are told simultaneously to proceed.
The Task Force, formed and coordinated by the Two River Times and comprised of Red Bank and now Fair Haven municipal officials, state senators, school officials, RiverCenter, Meridian Health, and Newport Media Holdings, LLC, is examining safety in the Two River area, beginning in Red Bank.
By Christina Johnson and John Burton
