After 2 Drivers Hit Same Pole On North Jersey Highway, Police Have A Warning

GLEN ROCK, NJ — On a rainy Thursday in May, two drivers hit the same pole on Route 208 14 hours apart, said Glen Rock police. But it wasn't a coincidence.

Police in Glen Rock said that the pole was hit on the highway just south of Lincoln Avenue, on time in the morning and once in the evening.

The crashes occurred during a nor'easter that swirled through the area starting in the morning.

Investigators eventually gave the town a reason why the two crashes happened in that specific area.

Crash Details

These were the situations:

At 5:35 a.m., a 2015 Dodge Ram pickup truck, driven by a 53-year-old Airmont, NY man, left the roadway and struck the utility pole, a guardrail, and a traffic sign. The pickup truck rolled over and came to rest on the side of the highway.

The driver was uninjured and was able to leave. The pickup truck had to be towed due to extensive damage. PSE&G work crews responded to replace the utility pole, police said.

But the replacement pole didn't last long.

At 7:37 p.m., a 2021 Acura TLX, driven by a 23-year-old man from Hollywood, Fla., left the roadway and struck the newly installed replacement pole as well as the already damaged guardrail.

The driver was uninjured, the vehicle which was towed from the scene due to extensive damage, police said.

PSE&G work crews responded and replaced the police again.

Why Did It Happen?

Police said in a followup report, "Investigation determined that the contributing circumstance in both crashes was due to hydroplaning caused by rainwater accumulation on the highway."

Police added, "After numerous requests from the Police Department, Department of Transportation work crews responded to clear the storm drains on the highway."

Officials had specific advice for drivers.

"The Glen Rock Police Department would like to remind motorists of the dangers of hydroplaning when roadways are wet," they said.

"These simple tips can keep you safe: Reduce speed on wet roads, avoid puddles and standing water, and maintain proper tire pressure and tread depth. It is also crucial to avoid sudden movements like hard braking or sharp turning."

Weekend Weather Says...

The National Weather Service says that thunderstorms may roll into Bergen County on Friday evening.

They said that Friday will be partly sunny with a high of 86. But there's a chance of showers, with thunderstorms more likely after 5 p.m. The chance of precipitation that day is 50 percent.

Showers are likely Saturday, the NWS says, with thunderstorms also possible after 2 p.m. In that case, the chance of precipitation is 70 percent. Thunderstorms are possible until 8 p.m., and showers may arrive until 2 a.m. Sunday.

The rest of Sunday is expected to be mostly sunny and warm. See the forecast here.