Clifton, NJ (April 3, 2026) – A Clifton police officer was injured after being struck by a vehicle while assisting a disabled car on Route 21.
The incident occurred around 9:38 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, near Route 46. The officer was standing beside a disabled vehicle when two merging cars collided at low speed. One of the vehicles, a Honda Civic driven by a 24-year-old woman from Saddle Brook, then struck both the officer and the disabled car.
The officer suffered a lower leg injury and was transported to a local hospital, where he was later released. All drivers involved remained on the scene and cooperated with investigators. The driver of the Honda Civic received a summons for careless driving and failure to yield the right of way.
Authorities continue to review the crash, and more details will be released as they become available. We are thinking of the injured officer as he recovers.
Safety Considerations When Assisting Disabled Vehicles on Busy Roads
Working alongside a disabled vehicle on a busy highway can be dangerous due to nearby moving traffic. Even at low speeds, merging vehicles may not have enough time to react, putting both drivers and anyone outside the car at risk.
Traffic congestion, reduced visibility at night, and sudden lane changes can increase the chance of secondary collisions. Emergency responders and motorists assisting others are most vulnerable in these situations, underscoring the importance of using hazard lights, wearing reflective gear, and exercising caution when stopping on roadways.
