Fatal Lavallette restaurant crash prompts state Sen. Holzapfel to pursue outdoor dining protections
State Sen. Jim Holzapfel says he plans to introduce legislation that would require restaurants to install guards to protect customers from vehicular accidents.
More Stories
A deadly crash at a Lavallette restaurant is prompting a push for new safety measures at outdoor dining areas.
State Sen. Jim Holzapfel says he plans to introduce legislation that would require restaurants to install guards to protect customers from vehicular accidents.
The proposal follows Saturday's tragedy at Meg's Grill, where police say a 93-year-old woman hit the accelerator instead of the brake while attempting to park, sending her vehicle into the restaurant's outdoor dining area.
The crash killed 56-year-old Ursula Keating, the wife of the Silverton fire chief, who was eating outside at the time.
Seven other people were sent to the hospital.
“Outdoor dining is a great part of what makes our shore communities special, but we have to make sure it’s safe," Holzapfel said. "If a restaurant wants to offer dining directly next to an active roadway, there should be a basic safety requirement for protective bollards or other approved barriers between diners and traffic, so a simple meal out doesn’t suddenly turn to tragedy.”
RELATED: Lavallette restaurant remains closed after woman killed when car crashes into outdoor dining area
