Bicyclist injured in car crash near Southern Regional High School

Richard E. Smrkovsky, 60, was riding a bicycle when he was injured after a motor vehicle operated by Jonathan M. Tedesco, 51, crashed into him in front of Southern Regional High School on Route 9 in Manahawkin on Sunday, Oct. 11. Both parties are local residents.

Photo via Google
The crash occurred near the school on Route 9.

Tedesco was traveling south on the highway when the 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe left the roadway for an unknown reason and struck the bicyclist and then a utility pole. Smrkovsky was riding his bicycle north on the southbound shoulder of the roadway at the time the crash occurred.

Officers of the Stafford Township Police Department responded to the scene, and traffic was temporarily re-directed off Route 9 to Cedar Bridge Road. The New Jersey Department of Transportation and Verizon responded at 1 p.m. to replace the utility pole and to re-open Route 9 to traffic.

As a result of the impact, Smrkovsky sustained a significant injury to his leg and was transported to Southern Ocean Medical Center, where he received treatment for his injury, Stafford Police said.

Tedesco’s vehicle was heavily damaged and was towed from the scene. He did not sustain any injuries from the crash. He was charged with careless driving and failure to maintain a lane. 

— Kelley Anne Essinger


This article was published in The SandPaper.