NEWARK, Essex County, N.J., Oct. 3, 2026 — A 16-year-old boy was critically injured Friday afternoon, October 2, after his scooter collided with a vehicle in Newark. The crash happened near the intersection of Clinton Avenue and Wright Street, close to Elizabeth Avenue.
The collision occurred around 3:15 p.m., according to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda. The teen was taken to University Hospital for treatment of his injuries, which were described as critical.
The driver of the vehicle stayed at the scene following the crash, officials said. No charges or citations have been announced.
Few other details have been released. The circumstances leading up to the collision remain under investigation.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
A Common Misconception About Scooter Crashes
Many people assume scooter riders are mostly hurt in low-speed falls or tip-overs, not in crashes involving cars. But a large share of serious scooter injuries happen when a rider is struck by a vehicle at an intersection or crossing, much like a pedestrian would be.
Riders on scooters are harder for drivers to spot than cars, partly because of their smaller profile and partly because they can move at speeds closer to a bicycle than a pedestrian. That mismatch in expectation is often what puts them in a driver's path at intersections.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2,148 young drivers ages 15 to 20 died in traffic crashes in 2023. That figure is a reminder that young people, whether behind the wheel or on a scooter, make up a large share of those hurt or killed on the road each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should someone do right after a scooter or car crash?
Call 911, stay as still as possible if hurt, and avoid moving an injured person unless there's immediate danger. Get checked by medical professionals even if injuries seem minor at first.
What injuries are common in scooter and vehicle collisions?
Head injuries, fractures, and road rash are frequent, since riders have little protection compared to someone inside a car.
Where do these crashes tend to happen?
Intersections and crossings are common sites, especially where visibility is limited or where riders and drivers aren't expecting each other.
How can drivers and riders lower the chances of a crash like this?
Drivers should slow down and scan intersections for smaller, less visible road users. Riders should use marked crossings, wear bright clothing, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing traffic.
What to Do After a Scooter Crash in Newark, NJ
If you or someone you know is involved in a scooter crash, get medical attention right away, even if injuries aren't immediately obvious. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries, especially head injuries, take time to show symptoms.
Report the crash to local police so there's an official record, and try to get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Photos of the scene, if it's safe to take them, can help later.
Follow up with a doctor in the days after the crash, even if the teen or rider feels okay at first. Newark families dealing with a crash like this should lean on local hospital resources and community support as recovery continues.
