WEST WINDSOR: Fix demanded on intersection where man, dog hit

By Charley Falkenburg, Staff Writer
   WEST WINDSOR — An accident that sent a local man and his dog to the hospital on Aug. 4 has sparked an outpour of public concerns about the intersection of Clarksville and North Post Roads.
   At the Aug. 6 council meeting, town hall was packed with residents who lined up to voice the need to do something about the intersection where Arnold Chen, 53, and his dog were seriously injured after getting hit by a car.
   ”I drove by the aftermath of the tragic accident and was filled with anger. For years I have been aware that intersection was severely deficient,” said Kelvin Werth of North Post Road. “The sight of that accident brought out my worst fears.”
   Police Chief Joseph Pica said Ajanta Baral, 57, of West Windsor, was doing about 15 mph when she ran a red light, went up on the grass and struck Mr. Chen, who was standing on the northwest corner of Clarksville and North Post.
   As a result of the impact, Mr. Chen suffered a severe injury to his lower leg and the dog suffered injuries to two legs, according to police.
   Both Mr. Chen and Ms. Baral were taken to the Capital Health Regional Medical Center for treatment and the dog was taken to the North Star Veterinary hospital for treatment.
   Chief Pica said witnesses at the scene said Ms. Baral was weaving in and out of the lane and appeared “out of it.” He confirmed they performed a blood test on her and waiting for the results to see if drugs or alcohol were a factor.
   ”I’m sure this woman is facing major motor vehicle violations and criminal violations based on the drug and alcohol test results,” said Chief Pica.
   For many in attendance at the meeting, this accident hit close to home — literally. Several residents, many who live on North Post Road, let the council know they are no strangers to witnessing accidents and often live in fear.
   Teenager Brendan Werth said he is too scared to cross the intersection, even to go see his friends across the street.
   ”Even though my dad has given me much instruction on how to safely cross the intersection, neither of my parents will allow me to cross the intersection without them,” he told the council.
   Often, the North Post residents are the first responders to accidents that happen just outside their doorways. Valerie Ramos of North Post Road listed three cars that landed in her front yard and two people that had been killed right outside her mailbox.
   ”We’re trained to run from our seats, dial 911 and immediately run out to help the victims,” said Ms. Ramos. “Please don’t wait for another tragedy before you review the issues related to the intersection.”
   Judy D’Antuono of North Post Road was the one who drove Mr. Chen’s dog to the animal hospital. For her, it wasn’t just the accidents — but the countless close calls.
   ”What you heard are the accidents reported — how many of us have seen cars speed by a stopped school bus with its light out?” said Ms. D’Antuono. “My neighbor had to yank her daughter out of the street right before a car almost hit her.”
   Mr. Chen’s ordeal appeared to be the tipping point for them and each urged the council to make improvements to prevent further accidents.
   Resident Sandra Shapiro mentioned recommendations from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission that were made in 2007. The committee had noted one of the main issues were drivers speeding to get ahead of traffic when the two lanes merge into one.
   Ms. Shapiro cited that the commission had suggested designating a one left hand turn lane and one straight through lane eat each of the four lights.
   The Township Council agreed on the need to find solutions and improvements for the intersection.
   Councilman George Borek described the accident as a “calling out” for action to be taken.
   ”I wish I could turn the clock back, but certainly that’s not the case,” said Mr. Borek. “This is one of those incidents that are telling us to do something.”
   Councilwoman Linda Geevers proposed that there be a resolution prepared to send to the county engineer, asking for an evaluation of the intersection and the corrective measures that could be implemented.
   ”This is not just one incident, but a series of incidents that have occurred over a number of years,” said Ms. Geevers. “I would like to take as much action as we can.”