NEWARK, Essex County, N.J., Sept. 19, 2026 — A pedestrian suffered serious injuries late on Friday night, September 18, when a driver struck him on Interstate 280 in Newark and left the scene, according to state police.
The crash happened in the westbound lanes of I-280 near milepost 13 at approximately 11:48 p.m. State troopers who responded found that a man had been walking in the roadway when a vehicle traveling west struck him.
The driver reportedly did not stop and was gone before troopers arrived. The vehicle has not been described publicly, and its driver has not been identified.
The pedestrian, whose name has not been released, was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. His current condition has not been made public.
State police said the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not released further details about what led up to the crash or whether any vehicle description has been developed.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
Who Is Most at Risk When Pedestrians Are Hit on Highways at Night
Pedestrians struck on interstates and other high-speed roads face different odds than those hit in downtown crosswalks. Speeds are higher, lighting is frequently limited to headlights, and drivers have less time to see and react to someone on foot. A person walking along a shoulder or attempting to cross active lanes at night is far harder for an approaching driver to spot than in daylight.
National crash data consistently shows that pedestrian deaths cluster after dark and away from intersections, where visibility drops and drivers are not anticipating foot traffic. Older pedestrians and those walking outside marked crossings tend to be overrepresented in these crashes, in part because reaction time, for both the driver and the person on foot, shrinks as speeds climb.
Hit-and-run crashes add another layer of risk for pedestrians specifically. When a driver leaves the scene, injured pedestrians often wait longer for help than occupants of a vehicle involved in a two-car crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 24 percent of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes were struck by hit-and-run drivers in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a car?
If possible, move to safety, call 911, and stay put until emergency responders arrive. Even injuries that seem minor at first should be checked by a medical professional, since adrenaline can mask pain from internal injuries or head trauma.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
In New Jersey and most states, pedestrians have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Drivers are required to yield, but pedestrians should still make eye contact with drivers and confirm vehicles are stopping before stepping into traffic.
How can drivers reduce the risk of hitting a pedestrian?
Slowing down in low-light conditions, scanning shoulders and medians on highways, and avoiding distractions give drivers more time to spot someone on foot before it's too late to react.
What injuries are most common in pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrians struck by vehicles usually suffer broken bones, head and spinal injuries, and internal trauma. The severity typically depends on vehicle speed at the moment of impact.
What to Do After a Hit-And-Run Pedestrian Crash in Newark, NJ
Anyone who witnesses a hit-and-run crash should try to note the vehicle's direction of travel, color, and any partial plate or distinguishing features, then report it to police as soon as possible. Even small details can help investigators identify a driver who fled.
If you or someone you know is recovering from injuries after being struck by a vehicle, follow up with a doctor even after emergency treatment, since some injuries take days to fully surface. Keep records of medical visits and any communication with police, as these can matter later in the investigation.
Residents in Newark with information about this crash are encouraged to contact New Jersey State Police, who continue to seek details about the vehicle involved.
