Police say seat belt saved driver as car was ripped apart

SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Police say a 23-year-old was lucky to escape with with relatively minor injuries after a serious crash on Davidson Mill Road Sunday afternoon.

The South Brunswick Police Department tweeted pictures of the car, which split in half after hitting a utility pole, as well as video of the aftermath of the crash site showing the severity of the damage done to the car.

Capt. James Ryan said the man was driving a 2000 Mitsubishi going westbound before striking the pole. The impact knocked wires loose from the pole which started the small fire.

The driver, who was not identified, was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital where he was treated and released after five hours of care.

Chief Raymond Hayducka said considering the condition of the car, "it is a miracle this young man survived let alone practically walk away," adding that the driver was extricated from the car due to the damage.

"Seat belts do save lives and this crash demonstrates it," Hayducka said.

The chief said the crash also reinforces the dangers of distracted

"Students in driver's education should watch the crash video to see what taking your eyes off driving for even a split second can do. Tragedy was averted by a seatbelt, but it was easily preventable," he said.

The driver of the car was issued tickets for careless driving, failure to maintain lane, and failure to inspect the vehicle.

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Contact reporter Adam Hochron at 609-359-5326 or Adam.Hochron@townsquaremedia.com