Crime & Safety

Man Reaching For Coffee Flips Car: Hackettstown Police

He was looking at his cell phone at the same time, police said.

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — A man flipped his car after being distracted reaching for a cup of coffee, Hackettstown police said. The man was also found to be impaired by medication.

James Cavanagh, 56, of Blairstown was driving on Route 604 around 1 p.m. on May 5, police said. While driving, Cavanagh allegedly reached for his coffee while looking at his cell phone.

He drove over the center line, hit a small concrete structure on the side of the road. His car overturned, hit a traffic sign, and overturned again, police said.

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During an investigation, police determined Cavanagh was impaired due to medication. He was charged with driving while under the influence, reckless driving and failure to maintain lane. Atlantic Health Ambulance also responded to the scene.


Image via erocka, Flickr

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