Four counties in New Jersey have been named among the Top 10 of the most dangerous places for pedestrians, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The data on pedestrian fatalities was recorded between 2017 and 2021. During those five years, Essex County had the most fatalities with 106. Bergen County was next with 79. Union County recorded 65 and Hudson County followed with 56.

This new information was released as News 12 learned of a woman killed while walking her dog in East Brunswick. That incident happened along Rues Lane at West Waverly Drive on Monday evening.

The victim has been identified as 61-year-old Heather Steinklein. Authorities say she was crossing Rues Lane, across from her own home, when she was hit by a car.

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Neighbor Lori O’Leary says Steinklein was killed instantly, while her dog survived.

“This is a residential street and people go exceptionally fast on this road,” O’Leary says. “There are kids who walk to school every day. My own kids walked on this road, they bike, they run. People walk their pets. People are just flying on New Jersey roads in general.”

The speed limit on Rues Lane is 30 mph. However, O’Leary says no one drives that posted limit. She has warned her own children about biking across the road.

O’Leary said the victim was “a wonderful lady.”

“She was kind generous funny, always happy, loved her dog, loved her neighbors. She was a great neighbor,” O’Leary says.

East Brunswick police say the driver in this case stayed at the scene. An investigation into the death is ongoing. Police will now determine if the driver will face criminal charges.