SOUTH BRUNSWICK – A driver who was allegedly texting caused a head-on collision.
Around 1:13 p.m. on May 22, a 33-year-old man from East Windsor was driving a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta westbound when he crossed over the double yellow lines and struck an eastbound tractor trailer nearly head on, according to information provided by the South Brunswick Police Department.
The tractor trailer, a 2008 Freightliner, was being driven by a 68-year-old man from East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
The crash ruptured the tractor trailer’s fuel tanks and spilled diesel fuel over the roadway, according to police.
The force of the crash ripped the Volkswagen’s engine out of the car onto the roadway 20 feet away.
Police believe the driver of the Jetta was swerving all over the road because he was texting just prior to the crash, according to reports.
There were no serious injuries reported.
The driver of the Jetta was issued numerous motor vehicle summonses, including careless driving, failure to maintain lane, crossing a double yellow line and use of wireless cellphone while operating a motor vehicle.
South Brunswick Chief Raymond Hayducka called the crash “an everyday tragedy just waiting to happen.”
“It is a miracle that neither driver was seriously injured or killed as a result of this driver texting. It is all too common to see drivers who are texting. Take a look at the photos from the scene and realize two lives could have easily ended in this crash. This crash was entirely preventable. I am not sure what was so critical in a text message that would allow you to take your eyes off the road and hit a tractor trailer head on,” Hayducka said in the statement.