Police Lights (Photo: Jason Rojas/Flickr)
Police in Toms River say a motorcyclist may have experienced sun glare before proceeding through a red light, causing an accident on Route 37.
According to police spokeswoman Jillian Messina, on Saturday April 6, 2019 at 6:17 p.m., Walter Smith, 72 of Medford, was operating a 2011 Harley Davidson in the center lane, westbound on Route 37 East. And investigation at the scene revealed Smith entered the intersection of Coolidge Ave against a red traffic signal, according to police.
At the same time, Michael A. Koch, 66 of Toms River, was operating a 2015 Toyota Camry southbound on Coolidge Ave through the intersection with a green traffic signal, with his wife, Wanda Koch as a passenger. Smith collided with the front driver’s side quarter and hood of the Toyota Camry and was ejected from his motorcycle. Witnesses at the scene said sun glare could have been a significant factor in the accident, according to police.
Smith was flown to Jersey Shore Medical Center and underwent emergency surgery. He sustained severe pelvic fractures and is listed in critical condition – and will be undergoing additional surgeries today.
The accident is being incvestigated by Toms River Traffic Safety Officer Adam Koeppen. Traffic westbound on Route 37 East was diverted onto Coolidge Ave for approximately one hour while the scene was active.
