Overturned Tractor Trailer on N.J. Turnpike

An accident occurred on Tuesday, June 16, involving a tractor-trailer that overturned on the New Jersey Turnpike in Middlesex County. Police continue to investigate and several news outlets have reported that the accident was ruled fatal. However, the state police would give no confirmation on the matter. The tractor-trailer overturned on the New Jersey Turnpike outer roadway, northbound south of Exit 8A in Monroe Township. The right lane and shoulder ended up being blocked until further notice at 7:30 a.m. that morning, according to the turnpike officials. Sources had also reported the accident on Twitter. (1)

Overturned tractor-trailer accidents are not unheard of in New Jersey, or any state for that matter, when safety precautions are unheard or roadway conditions call for them. For instance, early Monday morning on June 15, a 39-year-old Glassboro man was killed when he lost control of his tractor-trailer and the vehicle overturned carrying frozen food for the U.S. Foods Co. He ran off the right side of the roadway and was believed to have made a hard left turn but overcompensated his driving actions. This led to the vehicle overturning, sliding across the westbound lanes, shearing off a utility pole, and coming to rest off the side of the road. (2)

When operating these huge vehicles, much larger than your typical family sedan, special precautions must be taken. The accidents occurring from such can be quite devastating and even cost a driver his or her life.

(1) http://patch.com/new-jersey/southbrunswick/overturned-tractor-trailer-nj-turnpike-middlesex-county

(2) http://www.nj.com/salem/index.ssf/2015/06/glassboro_man_killed_when_tractor-trailer_overturn.html