Students press to lower speed limit on deadly highway

BURLINGTON CITY - Less than a half-mile from where his son was hit and killed by a drunk driver, Antwan Timbers Sr. covered his face and shed tears Monday when he heard the announcement that his son’s name would be on a piece of legislation that aims to reduce the speed limit to 25 miles per hour all day in the vicinity of Burlington City High School.

Sen. Diane Allen, R-Burlington, made an appearance at the high school Monday to meet with the student body, staff and the Timbers family. She signed three bills she’s sponsoring that address speeding in school zones to better protect pedestrians.

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Allen chose Burlington City because students there started a “25 Saves Lives” campaign, calling for a full-day reduction in the speed limit in the school zone along Route 130. The campaign was prompted by the death of Antwan Timbers Jr., who was one of their classmates.

She unveiled legislation called  “Antwan’s Law,” which would require a permanent speed limit reduction to 25 miles per hour on Route 130 by Burlington City High School and Wilbur Watts Intermediate School.

Antwan Timbers Jr., 17, was struck and killed by a passing motorist along Route 130 in May. He was likely heading home from a nearby store early on a Sunday morning.

Timbers Jr., who was a sophomore, and a friend were on the grassy area off the roadway near the sidewalk when a car, reportedly driven by Ricardo J. Patterson III, left the roadway and struck Timbers, police said. The teen was pronounced dead at the scene.

Patterson, 42, of Willingboro, was charged with reckless driving and driving under the influence and was later released.

Allen also launched a “25 Saves Lives” petition, calling for swift passage of the legislation.

“It is a tragic reality that Antwan’s death could have been prevented if we had the proper protections in place to keep pedestrians safe,” said Allen, who said she witnessed how passionate the students are about saving lives on Route 130 and in school zones around the state.

“As a longtime advocate of pedestrian safety, I am proud to sponsor Antwan’s Law, calling for a full-day speed limit reduction on Route 130 as well as the two other bills to combat speeding.”

“Antwan has inspired us,” Burlington City Principal James Flynn told the student body. “We want to make our community safer so nothing like this happens ever again.

 “We will be part of something very special. Just as our campaign was there to raise awareness, now we’re here to help this bill get passed and be partners with Senator Allen. Here we are.”

Timbers Sr., covered his face when Allen made the announcement about the name of one of the bills in the school’s media room and she reached out and touched his arm, holding a photo of his son. Timbers Sr.’s mother Jolene Covington sobbed softly when she heard her grandson’s name would be on a bill.

Allen signed three bills: One will triple the fines for speeding in school zones, another would give municipalities the power to lower speed limits in school zones and the third is “Antwan’s Law.”

“This is an honor for my son,” Timbers Sr. said. “ ... It’s to also prevent future fatalities. This is very big. It’s overwhelming. It’s a beautiful thing that they’re doing and putting together.

“This is an event that Mr. Flynn has been speaking to me about for a few months now, this project ’25 Saves Lives’ and trying to get legislation and laws approved to make the roads safer for this community. Like they said, Route 130 is pretty much the deadliest highway in the state. Just coming together, the students, the community, the principal to really bring this into motion.”

The school’s “25 Saves Lives” campaign started as a community service project of two Junior ROTC students, Jessica Lamont and Angel Castro, who were encouraged by Flynn, who has supported their efforts. It’s also something the student body has gotten completely behind. Timbers Jr. was also a Junior ROTC member.

“We raised awareness,” said Lamont, who said Timbers Jr. was one of her cadets.  “… I live literally right across the street from here. I don’t like having to cross the street where I’m scared to cross the street. It touched my heart to see everyone show up and support our idea.”

Said Castro: “It makes me feel honored to be part of it and I’m proud that it got this far.”

“This bill really means a lot in Antwan’s name,” Covington said. “It means he did not die in vain.”

District Superintendent Patricia Doloughty said the students and Flynn have done a great job with the effort and that they all appreciate the support. An estimated 1,000 students cross Route 130 each day going to and from school.

The students held a rally along the fence near Route 130 after Allen’s announcement, holding up signs urging drivers to slow down.

“This means a lot to us, the safety of our students is a primary concern and Route 130 running between our schools and in our community is a serious hazard for our students, walking to and from school and activities,” she said. “Anything to improve the conditions on Route 130 for our community and our students, we greatly appreciate.

“Antwan, it was so tragic for the family, the community, the school. He was such a wonderful young man. This really was a big tragedy for us. If the people who are driving here slowed down through the school areas, it could make a big difference to our students walking to and from school or activities.”

Celeste E. Whittaker; (856) 486-2437; cwhittaker@gannettnj.com