Residents say crosswalk needed
75-yr.-old struck and killed while walking from synagogue
BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer

ABERDEEN — Some residents are calling for traffic changes near a local synagogue after one of its members was killed after being struck by a car when he was returning from evening services.

At about 8:20 p.m. on May 1, Philip J. Shiffman, 75, of VanBrakle Road, was returning from evening worship services at the Young Israel of Aberdeen temple on Lloyd Road near Idlewild Lane, when he was struck by a car while attempting to cross the road, police said.

Shiffman was pronounced dead less than an hour later at Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel, officials said.

"A crosswalk has never been instituted to cross Lloyd Road […], one needs to be instituted immediately for the safety of all synagogue-goers," stated resident Sherry Schwartz in a letter to the Independent. "Synagogue night [attendees] need to be wearing reflector vests. Drivers need to clearly see any and all night walkers."

According to Aberdeen Township Police Chief John Powers, Shiffman was struck by a 1989 Toyota pickup heading east on Lloyd Road driven by a 24-year- old Morganville man.

"The investigation is still ongoing at this point and so far, no charges have been issued," Powers stated.

Powers also said speed has not been identified as a factor in the accident.

"The township of Aberdeen needs to set up a crosswalk for the safety of anyone wishing to pray at the Young Israel of Aberdeen," Schwartz advised in her letter. "The township needs […] to alert drivers that people will be crossing that street and [that they] must be on their highest alert."

Powers said that while a crosswalk is not currently in place at the location where Shiffman was struck, the township has asked the county about strengthening safety precautions in the area.

"There is not a lot of pedestrian traffic in that area with the exception of the NJ Transit bus stops in the vicinity," he said. "However, the [Lloyd Road Elementary School] is there, and since it is a county road, we had been working with Monmouth County to see what we could do to increase pedestrian safety."

Powers said the inquiry was geared to the children who cross the street to and from the elementary school.

"Currently, the township and the county are reviewing things that can be done to improve safety in the area," Powers said.

According to Young Israel of Aberdeen congregation member Joey Warren, who also sits on the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District's Board of Education, Shiffman had served as a cargo navigator for the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and later became a public relations manager for ESPN.

"Two years ago, Phil took a class on how to read Hebrew at the Young Israel of Aberdeen and since taking that class, Phil became a regular at the synagogue, attended daily services, and was an active participant in all the events," Warren stated in a May 8 e-mail. "He absolutely loved rediscovering his Jewish heritage."

Warren said he was present at the time of the accident and that the driver was distraught after hitting Shiffman.

"The driver was not at fault but was suffering terribly," Warren stated. "As a child, he had been the victim of a car accident, breaking both legs and being hospitalized."

Warren echoed Schwartz's sentiments about the need for a crosswalk near the synagogue.

"Two years ago, I had unsuccessfully tried to convince the county to place a crosswalk at that corner due to the number of people crossing at that point," Warren stated. "Though it's unlikely a crosswalk would have helped Phil, it may have changed the point [where] he tried to cross the street."

Worshippers have been advised to practice more caution when walking to evening services, Warren said.

"Since the accident, the rabbi has instructed the synagogue to purchase reflective vests and armbands, which will be lent to members walking home in the evening," he said.

Powers offered a few tips for both pedestrians and drivers in the area.

"First of all, wear bright clothing if you are walking under reduced light and try to cross at signalized intersections or controlled intersections," Powers said. "Always try to use sidewalks when they are available. Using sidewalks and crosswalks may take you out of your way, but it is safer and it goes back to the old adage of 'cross at the green, not in-between.' "

Powers also encouraged drivers to increase their awareness of their surroundings.

"Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings, especially if they are near a school or an active area of town and be on the lookout for pedestrians," he cautioned. "Over the course of my career, I have seen instances where drivers are distracted by the radio or a cell phone or things like that, and they need to take extra precaution when driving in these areas and be alert."

For those that knew him, Shiffman's memory will live on as a faithful worshipper who enjoyed the company of fellow congregation members and friends, Warren said.

"Phil died while sanctifying the Sabbath," he said, "and that's how his friends at the synagogue will remember him."