Dear Mayor Coles,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing today, as I am clearing the scene of a 3 car accident here, to express my deep concern and frustration regarding the lack of a traffic light at the intersection of Lakewood New Egypt and Gudz Road in Lakewood. It is truly disheartening to witness the ongoing accidents occurring at this junction on a weekly basis, and it is even more concerning that it seems to take the loss of precious lives before any action is considered.
I’ve been told by numerous sources that the County requires the death of at least 2 people before they will install a traffic light. I hope that’s merely a sick joke and hope it doesn’t actually take another death in our town before Ocean County takes action.
A Lakewood police officer, Patrolman Nichie Preslar, lost his life there during an on-duty fatal accident there on May 14, 2007 and a close friend of mine who lives right off that intersection fractured his neck in an accident there a few months ago, but unfortunately broken necks don’t count.
As a member of this community as well as a paramedic and Hatzolah member for over 27 years, I firmly believe that safety should always be the top priority. It is imperative that we take proactive measures to prevent accidents and protect the lives of our fellow residents. The absence of a traffic light at such a hazardous intersection is not only absurd but also poses a significant threat to the well-being of all who traverse this area.
The frequency of accidents at this location serves as a clear indication that urgent action is needed. We cannot afford to wait for more people to be injured and lives to be lost before making a change. Each accident not only affects the individuals involved but also impacts their families, friends, and the entire community. It is our responsibility to ensure that our roads are as safe as possible, and a traffic light is a crucial step towards achieving that goal.
Installing a traffic light at the intersection would undoubtedly improve the flow of traffic and enhance safety for everyone. It would provide a clear indication to drivers, reducing the risk of collisions and creating a safer environment for pedestrians as well. Moreover, it would serve as a visual reminder of the importance we place on protecting lives and promoting responsible driving habits.
I kindly request that the relevant authorities pay immediate attention to this matter and take the necessary steps to install a traffic light at this intersection. Let us not wait for further tragedies to occur before we address this issue. Our community deserves better, and we must work together to ensure the safety of all.
Thank you for providing a platform to express these concerns. I trust that Lakewood Township and The Lakewood Scoop will continue to advocate for the well-being of our community and support initiatives that prioritize safety.
Yours sincerely,
Simcha Shain
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Thank you for saying it! That is the scariest intersection in Lakewood, the amount of accidents there is beyond belief!
Is there a stop sign there or whoever gets to the corner first goes right thru? Drivers do not use caution, common sense or respect for others. Oh 1 more thing they don’t use…..the brakes.
Only a stop sign
Thank you so much Simcha for everything.
Thank you Simcha for bringing this to the attention of our great mayor, no doubt he will act on it to the best of his ability. Also a Mazel Tov on the recent birth of your newest einikle. Much nachas!
I live off Lakewood New Egypt and just saw an accident there on Friday. As I passed by I said, when will they finally install a traffic light?!
Seriously, accidents at that intersection are way too common. Something has to be done fast!
Either a light or a four-way stop sign is needed here.
People shouldn’t have to die for safe infrastructure to be put in place.
Simcha, is that your truck in the picture?
The other night I was driving South on Miller toward New Central and when I got to the 4-way stop I couldn’t believe how many drivers driving West on New Central toward Westgate weredriving through the stop at full speed!! One almost his me as I engaged in the intrsection. They were obviously not noticing the stop sign.
The point I’m making is that stop signs must be lit up if we want them to be effective at night in the middle of busy roads.
there is at least 2 accident a week there. One of the main reasons is there is no site triangle. You cant see the cars coming down central when trying to make the turn.
I have past by and have seen nunerous accidents at that corner. A light is needed ASAP.
Hopefully this won’t moderated due to political bias.
Elections are coming up, things have only gotten worse. Vote for the same people you will continue to get the same result…. nothing.
Just drive better. That should do it. Install a light and/or 4 way stop sign, If necessary.
extremely dangerous corner , 4 cars were totaled there in the last week its a miracle no one has died there .
A traffic light is needed ASAP .
Thank you for advocating for us! I live 2 minutes in one direction and work 2 minutes in the other direction from that intersection. The number of near misses (of both cars and pedestrians) I have encountered is mind boggling! I would like to add that traffic on Whitesville Road (leading to Drake Road) complicates the situation. It would be a good idea to make Whitesville Road one way to alleviate the confusing traffic pattern.
So why hasn’t Mayor Coles replied back to Simcha Letter as he usually does to all letters he gets?
There is ZERO danger by that intersection. Unless you drive like an am Haaretz. Countless times I’m driving on New Egypt, and someone who is working on Bishvili nivra HaOlam turns from Gudz, right in front of with enough space that if I stomp on my brakes, I will just miss them. This is a phenomenon not exclusive to Gudz. I see it all over Lakewood. I believe it started from people who live in developments off of the 9, who thought, if I don’t drive a little selfish, I’ll never get out of my development in time for Shemiras Sedorim, than I won’t be able to pay rent this month. Just a couple of years later, we have an epidemic, where I ask people What are you doing? Didn’t you see that car that you just drove in front of? They tell me “This is the Minhag HaMakom!”
How about The tried and true, Policing tickets and red light cameras. Not just there but all over town……. It’s not like We don’t pay for a police force……
It is a very dangerous intersection and must be approached in that fashion. The issue is all the legal work and funding to get these lights installed. BTW .. There is about another 100 intersections that are just as bad. Rome was not built in a day.