Flanders, NJ — December 18, 2024, Peter Janke Jr. was killed in a truck accident at about 5:45 a.m. on U.S. Route 206.

Authorities said a vehicle crashed into the back of a garbage truck in the 200 block of U.S. Route 206, south of Bartley Road.

The vehicle that hit the garbage truck has not been identified yet, but driver Peter Janke Jr., 57, died at the scene, according to authorities.

The driver of the garbage truck was not injured, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash at this point.

The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I hear about a crash like this one involving a vehicle rear-ending a garbage truck, I think it’s important to challenge the assumption that rear-end collisions are always the fault of the driver in the trailing vehicle. While that’s a common belief, the reality is often far more complex, especially when large commercial vehicles are involved.

Garbage trucks are often on the road during early morning hours when visibility is limited. A critical question is whether the garbage truck was equipped with proper lighting and reflective markings to ensure it could be seen by approaching vehicles. Federal regulations require commercial vehicles to have functioning rear lights and reflective tape, particularly when stopped on the roadway. If those measures were absent or inadequate, they could have contributed to this collision.

Investigators also should look at the positioning of the garbage truck. Was the garbage truck stationary at the time of the crash, and if so, where was it positioned? Garbage trucks frequently make stops in travel lanes due to the nature of their work. While this is sometimes unavoidable, it also creates a significant hazard. If the truck was stopped without appropriate warning devices like cones or hazard lights, that could have played a role in the crash.

The crash occurred around 5:45 a.m., a time when darkness or pre-dawn lighting can create challenges for drivers. Investigators should consider whether road lighting, weather conditions, or other environmental factors may have obscured the driver’s view of the garbage truck.

Rear-end collisions with large vehicles like garbage trucks often result in underride crashes, where the smaller vehicle goes under the larger one. This type of crash is frequently fatal, highlighting the importance of underride guards on commercial vehicles. Investigators should confirm whether the garbage truck was equipped with such a guard and whether it performed as intended.

This incident underscores the need for careful investigation and a comprehensive review of all contributing factors. It’s not enough to stop at the assumption that the driver of the smaller vehicle was at fault. The design and operation of the garbage truck, the roadway environment and the specific circumstances of the crash all deserve attention.