‘No one’s paying attention’: Route 70 in Toms River among most dangerous intersections in US

Between 2000 and 2019, eight fatal crashes happened at the Route 70 intersection, according to a study by a Colorado law firm.

Lanette Espy and Jim Murdoch

Mar 28, 2023, 12:47 PM

Updated 623 days ago

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Isabella Corbin, a 4-year-old girl, is still in the hospital fighting for her life after a crash at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Route 70 in Toms River last week. The safety of the corridor is now in question.
The area was named one of the most dangerous intersections in the entire country.
Charles Sharkey, 33, was driving with a suspended license when he slammed into the car, running a red light and on his cellphone, according to police. Sharkey remains in Ocean County Jail. His charges include driving with a suspended license and assault. He had several open warrants for traffic violations, as well as prior charges for weapons possession.
According to a study by a Colorado law firm, eight fatal crashes happened at the intersection between 2000 and 2019.
News 12 New Jersey spoke with residents Tuesday morning, and most say the issues are from distracted drivers.
“100% on the phone talking to somebody else, turning their head, normal driving distraction, but it's definitely around here and it’s big time,” said Tia Warnet, of Toms River.
“I went to work every day and there was nobody on the road so now there's everybody back on the road,” Warnet said. “I think it's just like a mindset...nobody's on the road before now it's a free for all, that's how I see it. It's a free-for-all because no one's paying attention.”
There is a GoFundMe set up for Corbin. She turns 5 in May.