2 ‘Heartbreaking’ Traffic Accidents In Nutley; Officials Urge Caution

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley town officials are imploring drivers and pedestrians to keep safety in mind after two recent “heartbreaking accidents,” authorities announced Wednesday.

On March 27, a pedestrian was fatally struck by a car at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Chestnut Street. The 77-year-old was transported to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead soon afterwards. The driver remained at the scene, authorities said.

Last Friday, another pedestrian was hit by a car while crossing Franklin Avenue, TAPinto Nutley reported.

On Wednesday, Public Safety Commissioner Alphonse Petracco and Chief of Police Thomas Strumolo Jr. pointed to the recent “heartbreaking accidents” as a reason to renew a sense of caution.

According to Petracco, distracted driving led to nearly 3,000 fatalities and over 400,000 injuries across the nation in 2024, with cell phone usage being a significant factor.

The Nutley Police Department is one of 158 law enforcement agencies across the state that are taking part in New Jersey’s annual “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign, which runs through the end of April.

• See Related: NJ’s Distracted Driving Crackdown Begins (Here’s Where)

Petracco said the town has been running the distracted driving campaign every year since he took office. However, there’s also another angle to consider, he added.

“While we can take measures like placing police cars at intersections or issuing tickets, it’s ultimately up to both drivers and pedestrians to stay aware of their surroundings,” Petracco said. “Pedestrians should remain vigilant—avoid looking down at your phone and keep your AirPods at a reasonable volume to hear traffic.”

“Even if you have the right of way, always look both ways before stepping out,” the town commissioner continued. “Don’t assume that vehicles will stop for you.”

Another tip for pedestrians? If you’re walking at night, make sure to wear reflective or brightly colored clothing, Petracco said.

As the weather continues to improve, more Nutley residents will be flocking to local parks and walkways for exercise. And that means more cars on the road, Petracco said.

“It’s crucial to keep these safety tips in mind,” he urged.

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