HACKETTSTOWN, NJ (Warren County) – A Morris County man lost control of his vehicle when he swatted at a bug, leading to a crash that injured himself, police said.
The crash happened on Sunday, June 11, at around 1:57 p.m., on Route 57 near Nikitin Way in Hackettstown, police said.
A police investigation revealed that a 2014 Tesla, driven by a 19-year-old male from Washington Township, Morris County, was travelling eastbound on Route 57 when a bug started flying around his face, police said.
When the driver attempted to swat the bug away, it caused him to lose control of his vehicle and rear-end a 2017 Honda, driven by a 19-year-old female from Washington Township, Warren County. The impact then caused the Honda to crash into a guardrail.
The male suffered non-life-threatening injuries and refused medical treatment at the scene. The male was issued a summons for careless driving.
Police offer these tips of what to do if a bug flies into your car while driving:
- Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. If you’re in heavy traffic, fight the urge to swat the insect away, you could swerve and put other drivers at risk.
- Slow down gradually. Don’t slam on the brakes. Consider putting your hazard lights on to alert other drivers that you’ll be going below the speed limit.
- Pull over. Once you’ve come to a complete stop, go ahead and give your complete attention to getting the bug out of your car.
