A driver distracted on his phone crashed into a local police officer who was enforcing distracted driving. (The incident was reported yesterday on our news alerts.)
At approximately 1:30pm yesterday, Patrolman Michael Moore #197 was operating a marked patrol vehicle (2015 Ford Explorer) while westbound on West Farms Rd. A 2011 Subaru Legacy operated by Gregory Nayvelt, 80 years old of Howell, failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Casino Dr. and West Farms Rd. Nayvelt entered the roadway southbound, crossing West Farms Rd. into Ptl. Moore’s lane of travel resulting in an unavoidable collision. Ptl. Moore was able to exit the vehicle and immediately check on the occupants of the other vehicle. Mr. Nayvelt had to be extracted from his vehicle by first responders.
The investigation on scene revealed that Nayvelt had been using his cell phone GPS navigation for directions and did not see the stop sign. Lyudmila Nayvelt, 75 years old, also of Howell, was a front seat passenger in Nayvelt’s vehicle.
Ptl. Moore and the Nayvelts were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center by Howell Police EMS/CentraState Paramedics for minor injuries consisting of complaints of pain. 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. Lieutenant Eileen Dodd #240 is investigating the crash and will be issuing Mr. Nayvelt the appropriate citations for the offenses involved.
Chief Kudrick stated, “Ironically, Ptlm. Moore was enforcing the statewide ‘U Drive, U Text, U Pay’ campaign against distracted driving when this collision occurred. The campaign flyers 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.”
Howell Police EMS, Howell First-Aid, Farmingdale First-Aid, MONOC Paramedics and Adelphia Fire Co. responded to the scene.
