Man Distracted by Cell Phone Hits Howell Police Car

HOWELL, NJ - An 80-year-old man distracted by driving directions on his cell phone accidentally drove into a Howell police patrol car Wednesday, causing the damage seen here. Ironically, the police officer happened to be on the roadway promoting a statewide safe driving campaign, Howell police said.

The accident happened at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday on West Farms Road. The 80-year-old Howell man failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Casino Dr. and West Farms Rd., hitting patrolman Michael Moore who was in his marked patrol vehicle.

Ptl. Moore was able to exit the vehicle and immediately check on the occupants of the other vehicle. But the elderly driver had to be extracted from his vehicle by first responders. His 75-year-old wife was also in the car.

The man had been using his cell phone GPS navigation for directions and did not see the stop sign, police said. Both the officer and the elderly couple 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.

"Ironically, Ptlm. Moore was enforcing the statewide “U Drive, U Text, U Pay” campaign against distracted driving when this collision occurred," said Howell police Chief Andrew Kudrick. "The campaign flyers were strewn about the passenger compartment of his patrol vehicle."

"Distracted driving, specifically cellphone use, has been a contributing factor in the majority of crashes in Howell," Chief Kudrick continued. "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."