Beware, Pedestrians: The Most Dangerous Roads in Bergen

A study released Wednesday concludes Bergen County's most dangerous roads for pedestrians are Route 17, Route 93 and Route 4.

Thirty-four pedestrians were killed on Bergen County streets between 2008 and 2010, according to figures cited in a study released by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. Route 17, Route 93 (Grand Avenue) and Route 4 all accounted for two deaths apiece, statistics show.

Compared to other areas of the state, Bergen's roads are relatively safe for pedestrians. A total of 435 pedestrians died on New Jersey roadways from in the three-year period. Fatalities increased in 2011 slightly from the previous year, according to Department of Transportation figures.

The most dangerous road in the state is found in Burlington County, Highway 130, the site of 10 fatal pedestrian accidents. Route 1 and Route 9 in Union County each claimed nine pedestrian deaths between 2008 and 2010. Several other Middlesex County and Union County roads appear on the top ten most dangerous, which is devoid of any Bergen County roads.

Pedestrian safety matters are certainly of concern to officials and residents in RiverDell even through there have been few fatal accidents. The last fatal pedestrian accident was in 2008 in Oradell while none were found in the report for River Edge.

In Oradell, borough resident Helen McKenna, 72, was killed in June 2008 while crossing the intersection of Summit Avenue and Oradell Avenue early in the morning. At the time of the accident McKenna was not carrying any identification, and determining her identity and notification of the family was delayed. No charges were ever filed against the driver. After the accident a blinking traffic light was installed at the intersection.

Check out the county analysis here.

River Dell Editor Eamon Harbord contributed to this article.