HOWELL – A Howell police officer and two residents were taken to a hospital following a motor vehicle accident on the afternoon of April 5.
Police said that at 1:30 p.m., Patrolman Michael Moore was operating a marked patrol vehicle and heading west on West Farms Road when the driver of a 2011 Subaru Legacy failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Casino Drive and West Farms Road.
The car being driven by Gregory Nayvelt, 80, of Howell, entered the road southbound, crossed West Farms Road into Moore’s lane of travel and collided with the officer’s vehicle, according to police.
Moore was able to exit his vehicle and check on the occupants of the Subaru. Nayvelt had to be extricated from his vehicle by first responders.
Police said an investigation at the scene of the collision determined that Nayvelt had allegedly been using his cell phone GPS navigation for directions and did not see the stop sign.
Lyudmila Nayvelt, 75, of Howell, was a front seat passenger in Nayvelt’s vehicle.
Moore and the Nayvelts were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, by Howell Police EMS/CentraState paramedics for what police described as minor injuries consisting of complaints of pain.
Police said the crash was witnessed by four people who observed the Subaru fail to stop at the stop sign. Both vehicles were towed from the scene. Lt. Eileen Dodd is investigating the crash and is expected to issue Nayvelt summonses, according to police.
Police Chief Andrew Kudrick said, “Ironically, Patrolman Moore was enforcing the statewide U Drive. U Text. U Pay. campaign against distracted driving when this collision occurred. The campaign fliers were strewn about the passenger compartment of his patrol vehicle.
“Distracted driving, specifically cell phone use, has been a contributing factor in the majority of crashes in Howell. This is another unfortunate example of the consequences of these violations. Fortunately, all involved will recover. However, a life, including yours, could be lost and it can be prevented. Put the phone down and just drive,” Kudrick said.
Howell Police EMS, the Howell First Aid Squad, the Farmingdale First Aid Squad, MONOC paramedics and the Adelphia Fire Company responded to the scene.
