It's hard to fathom how a driver could possibly mistake a woman for an inanimate garbage bag. However, per People, that is what allegedly happened in New Jersey recently, with fatal consequences. According to the outlet, on November 6, "The driver hit what she thought was a garbage bag, but then found the woman under her car in a supermarket parking lot two miles away." The victim was dragged beneath the supposedly unsuspecting driver's car for about two miles before she was found. Sadly, she was deceased. According to People, neither the woman who was hit nor the driver have been publicly named. It is unclear at this time if charges will be brought.
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The Alleged Circumstances of the Incident
Per People, police were summoned to an Extra Supermarket in Newark, New Jersey, in the early evening on Friday. The store is on Lyons Avenue. A driver had allegedly struck an object that she believed was a black garbage bag about two miles from the store. When she arrived at the Extra Supermarket, the driver allegedly entered, made a purchase, and went back outside to her vehicle.
She attempted to put it in reverse. It allegedly would not budge, per People. When she exited the car, it became apparent that someone was trapped under it. The driver then reportedly informed a security officer. That person called 911.
There is currently an investigation into the situation.
How To Stay Safe When You Are a Pedestrian
The exact circumstances of this tragic event are still being looked into by authorities. But some tips about staying safe when you are a pedestrian are always good to know. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 7,000 pedestrians died in 2024 and over 71,000 sustained injuries across the country.
The NHTSA urges people who are walking to use sidewalks, try to stay as far from traffic as you can, be aware of your surroundings at all times, and always exercise maximum caution when crossing streets. Other tips the NHTSA offers include being mindful of the rules of the road and not crossing streets in the middle of a block.
