Clove Road is being made safer after an accident outside Hawk Crossings in December.
Photo Credit: Daniella Heminghaus
After a 19-year-old female Montclair State student was hit by a vehicle on Clove Road, the university along with PSE&G worked toward making conditions safer for drivers and pedestrians on that road by adding improved streetlights.
Just after 9 p.m. on Dec. 14, a 68-year-old man driving south on Clove Road struck a student in the crosswalk in front of Hawk Crossings. The driver remained on the scene after the accident, said Lt. Kieran Barrett, the spokesperson for UPD.
UPD first received a report of the incident at 9:16 p.m. and were the first to arrive on scene, where they provided care to the victim prior to EMS taking over.
“[The victim] was conscious and alert, but in obvious pain from being struck,” Barrett said.
The victim was then taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson for treatment.
The Montclarion was not able to gain access to information regarding her current condition.
“Weather conditions appear to have contributed to this incident,” said Barrett. Weather Underground, a subsidiary of The Weather Channel, records show fog, low visibility and precipitation throughout the day of Dec. 14.
The driver was not found to be texting while driving or driving under the influence, according to Barrett.
Clove Road falls under the jurisdiction of Passaic County and the Little Falls Police Department is currently handling the investigation of the accident.
The Montclarion was unable to obtain comments from the Little Falls Police Department about the case.
The university contacted PSE&G after the accident took place to request additional lighting on this stretch of Clove Road. PSE&G responded to the request and new lights have been installed.
“It was pretty dark over there in front of Hawk Crossings,” said student Victoria Queyquep. “It’s a good idea that they installed brighter lights and I think having them could prevent other incidents, but drivers have to be more aware and slow down because Clove Road is a busy pedestrian area and a lot of times people are going way too fast.”
Barrett recommends that drivers who often travel on the campus roads be cognizant of crosswalks, stop signs, traffic lights and speed limits posted. By doing so prior to adverse conditions, Barrett said, drivers may use good judgment when poor visibility exists.
