Sun glare causes 'unique' accidents in Mount Arlington

MOUNT ARLINGTON Bad morning sun glare Monday on Seasons Drive led to a Good Samaritan being struck and pinned beneath a vehicle while she was outside her car checking on a pedestrian struck by another car, borough Chief Keith Licata said.

"It was a unique situation and, amazingly, no serious injuries. Two completely separate accidents all caused by sun glare," Licatasaid.

Around 7:47 a.m., a female driver estimated to be traveling about 10 mph on Seasons Drive struck a 64-year-old man who was crossing the street, which is near Howard Boulevard. The woman stopped when she realized she hit an object or a person, Licatasaid.

A second woman -- described as a Good Samaritan -- stopped in her SUV to see if she could help. While this woman was outside her vehicle and her 8-year-old daughter was inside the SUV, a male driver traveling about 5 mph struck her car. She fell and was pinned from the waist down beneath the front of the man's car.

The woman was alert and conscious and was stabilized, removed by members of the Mount Arlington Fire Department and St.Clare's paramedics, and flown by helicopter to Morristown Medical Center.

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Licata said he did not have the names of all the people involved but no summonses are anticipated because of the intense sun glare, which was present when he arrived on scene. He said the woman's injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.

Meanwhile, the 64-year-old man, who had just undergone hip surgery, was knocked down but was walking around when Licata arrived.

"All he cared about was getting everyone help before he did," the chief said. "The drivers were all exercising caution under the conditions so I don't anticipate any summonses."

Staff Writer Peggy Wright: 973-267-1142; pwright@njpressmedia.com