On Monday, May 22, 2023, at approximately 4:29 pm, officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to Colonial Drive near the intersection of State Highway 37 to investigate a motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles, one of which was a motorcycle, with injuries.
Upon arrival, officers observed a 2006 Honda Gold Wing motorcycle lying on its side in the roadway on Colonial Drive at its intersection with the SH 37 off ramp. A 2013 Chevrolet Equinox was also observed in the roadway, perpendicular to the Honda, with driver side damage and curtain airbag deployment. The investigation revealed that the Honda was travelling north on Colonial Drive, when the Chevrolet entered the roadway in front of the Honda from the SH 37 off ramp. The motorcyclist applied the brakes, and lied the bike on its side, before sliding into the driver’s side of the Chevrolet.
The Honda was being operated by 66 year old Anthony K. Williams of Lakehurst Borough, who was transported to Community Medical Center via ambulance for treatment and evaluation of non-life threatening injuries. The Chevrolet was being operated by a 16 year old under his NJMVC Learner’s Permit, who had no reported injuries. Also occupying the Chevrolet was 40 year old Sarah J. Jeffers of Manchester Township, who was transported to Community Medical Center via ambulance for treatment and evaluation of non-life threatening injuries. There were two other juvenile passengers in the Chevrolet who had no reported injuries. The roadway was partially closed during the investigation and cleanup.
Assisting at the scene were members of the Manchester Township Emergency Medical Services, Manchester Township Fire Department, RWJ Paramedics, and Freedom Towing. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, however, failure to stop and yield to the right of way of all vehicular traffic appears to be a contributing factor. This crash is being investigated by Patrolman Jesse Hoydis of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.
With summer quickly approaching, the warm weather means an increase in motorcycle traffic on our roadways. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness month and we would like to remind our motorists to be aware of your surroundings and use extra caution to help keep roads safe for motorcycle riders.