SOUTH BRUNSWICK – South Brunswick police responded to a motor vehicle crash on Route 1 north, near the intersection of Ridge Road, at around 11:12 p.m. on May 30.
When officers arrived, they found a red 2011 tractor trailer overturned on the roadway. The driver was identified as a 65-year-old woman from Florida City, Florida.
Officer Sean Roberts determined the woman was traveling north on Route 1 when she allegedly took her eyes off the roadway to grab one of her dogs that jumped off the seat and onto the floor, according to information provided by the South Brunswick Police Department.
The tractor trailer reportedly swerved to the left, into a work zone, and struck road closure barricades and signage. The driver reportedly attempted to turn back to her right and went off of the roadway where the tractor trailer struck a tree and utility pole. The tractor trailer then re-entered the roadway, rolled over, and came to a rest on the passenger’s side of the tractor trailer, according to the statement.
The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for further treatment. Her dogs were not injured.
The N.J. Department of Transportation responded to the scene and assisted with closing the roadway. The damage endured by the utility pole caused numerous power outages to nearby traffic lights, according to the statement. PSE&G conducted repairs and Route 1 north became passable after 6 a.m. May 31, which caused delays in the early morning commute.
The driver was issued summonses for careless driving and unsafe lane change as a result of the crash.