Two drivers ended up in Hackensack Medical Center with head and chest trauma April 16 after being involved in an accident at a problematic intersection in Norwood.
According to a witness, Leonard Vener of Tappan, N.Y., ran the red light on Tappan Road as he was traveling southbound in his Buick. He was struck by a white SUV driven by Bruce Carillo of River Vale who was driving west on Broadway.
The force of the accident propelled Vener’s Buick into the fence on the front lawn of the Tappan Road residence, even taking out the traffic signal light stanchion along the way.
"The light came down on his car," said Police Chief Jeff Krapels, who said excessive speed was not a factor in the accident.
Vener’s car was not the only one with excessive damage.
"Carillo had to be extricated from his car," said Krapels, adding that the car had to be "cut apart" to get him out.
Of the intersection, Krapels said, "we’ve had our share of accidents there," attributing them to people who disregard the traffic light. The last serious accident was December 2007, he said.
Since 2006, there have been 18 injuries at that intersection, said Krapels. In 2006 there were 13 accidents and six injuries, in 2007 there were eight accidents and 10 injuries, and in 2008 two accidents and two injuries.
The only factor that Krapels could confirm as of press time was the alleged "disregarding [of] the red light." Krapels added that there is "nothing wrong with that light."
Krapels said that emergency response was widespread, involving Norwood Fire and EMS, Harrington Park EMS, Closter EMS and Northvale police.
Krapels said the injuries to both drivers were facial, head and chest trauma, and potentially serious for Vener.
