Three people were killed Sunday in a crash involving a tractor-trailer along the New Jersey Turnpike near East Windsor Township. State Police said a GMC SUV had pulled onto the right shoulder at milepost 64.6, where the driver was standing outside the vehicle awaiting assistance. Three passengers, a second adult, and two juveniles waited inside the vehicle.

Investigators reported that a Peterbilt tractor-trailer drifted onto the shoulder and struck the rear of the GMC. The impact fatally wounded the driver standing outside the vehicle, as well as the adult passenger in the front seat and one of the juveniles in the back seat. The tractor-trailer driver suffered minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. The investigation is ongoing.

Stopped vehicles on highway shoulders face significant risks, particularly when traffic is moving at high speeds. Limited space, fast-moving lanes, and reduced reaction time for other drivers, especially those operating large commercial trucks, can create extremely hazardous conditions. Motorists are encouraged to pull as far from the roadway as possible, use hazard lights, and stay inside the vehicle with seat belts fastened when safe to do so.

Collisions involving tractor-trailers on major corridors like the New Jersey Turnpike frequently result in severe or fatal injuries because of the massive forces involved. A brief lapse in attention or a momentary drift outside the travel lane can lead to catastrophic consequences when a commercial truck enters the shoulder. Reducing speed, moving over for stopped vehicles, and staying alert are critical steps drivers can take to help prevent similar tragedies.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, call Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC at 732-920-8383 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. With office locations in Manasquan and Brick, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout the state.