SOUTH BRUNSWICK — The 23-year-old driver of a car that split in half after striking a utility pole was released just five hours after the crash because he was wearing a seatbelt.
The collision, which occurred at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 5 on Davidson Mill Road at Gregory Court in South Brunswick, caused the 2000 Mitsubishi to split in half, according to information provided by the South Brunswick Police Department.
The driver allegedly became distracted as he was headed westbound on Davidson Mill Road and ran off the road striking the utility pole, according to police. The impact forced wires to land in a field about 300 yards away and caused a small field fire. The driver had to be extricated out of his vehicle and was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) in New Brunswick. He was treated for his injuries and released.
“Clearly, if you see the pictures and video from the scene, it is a miracle this young man survived, let alone practically walked away. Seatbelts do save lives and this crash demonstrates it,” Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said. “This crash reinforces the dangers of distracted driving. Students in driver’s education should watch the crash scene video to see what taking your eyes off driving for even a split second can do. Tragedy was averted by a seatbelt, but this was easily preventable.”
Responding to the crash were the Monmouth Junction Fire Department, South Brunswick EMS, RWJUH paramedics, New Jersey Forest Fire Service, PSE&G and South Brunswick police.
