Safe Corridors & You

If your daily commute to the office exposes you to gentle farmlands, cool country breezes, the sounds of chirping robins and the rustling of leafy trees, you don’t travel the Route One corridor.  But for those of us who do, it’s a daily nightmare of gridlock, accidents, stress, frustration and danger. 

Well, as bad it is, things are about to get worse…and more expensive too!  On Feb. 15, 2004, the “Safe Corridors” law went into effect for more than 130 miles of roadways statewide including twenty miles of Route One in Mercer and Southern Middlesex Counties

  A safe corridor is a stretch of highway that has been selected based on data showing crash rates that are 50% above the state rate and 1,000 or more accidents in a single a year exposing drivers to an increased risk of being in an accident. 

How does this law affect you?  Double fines for traffic tickets!   A careless driving ticket normally carries a fine ranging from $50 to $200.  Now the same offense in a “safe corridor” will have a maximum fine of $400.

But wait!  There’s more! These violations carry motor vehicle and insurance points.  Too many points will lead to surcharges by the Motor Vehicle Commission and possibly a license suspension.  Insurance points will subject you to increased premiums or even a policy cancellation.

How can you protect yourself?  If you do get a ticket in a “safe corridors” … CALL YOUR LAWYER!.   He/she will be able to effectively represent you in court and may even get the charges against you dismissed or reduced; if your case has to go to trial, your day in court will be infinitely more enjoyable (and shorter) with your attorney by your side.

Safe corridors may protect drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and vehicles on our highways. Your lawyer can help protect you if you receive a traffic ticket in a “safe corridor.” 

Kelley A. McGlone, Esq., is an associate at the firm of Markowitz Gravelle, LLP, in Lawrenceville.  She concentrates on civil litigation, bankruptcy and municipal court issues.   Ms. McGlone received her undergraduate degree from the former Trenton State College, and her Juris Doctor from Rutgers School of Law.  She is a member of the Mercer County and American Bar Associations.   She can be contacted at (609)896-2660, or via e-mail at  Kamcglone@mgs-law.com.  For a comprehensive  list of all of the services available from the firm of Markowitz Gravelle, LLP, log on to www.mgs-law.com.