NJ Govener Corzine In serious accident

[JetPhoto 626]

NJ Govenor Jon S. Corzine was involved in a serious injury accident on the Garden State Parkway at MM 43.5. It is being reported that the Govenor may have a femur fracture but his injuries do not appear to be life threatening. He was flown to Cooper trauma center by Southstar.

At least one other person was flown from the scene. Police are searching for a red pick up truck that may have caused the accident.

[E106MKFD 56]

Thats too bad but I heard he wasn't wearing a seatbelt!

[Oswegowind 17]

Is he transported around by the State Troopers, like in NY???

I don't know if this is how every state does it...I know that in S. Carolina he travels in his own vehicle. When I was down there last time there was a story about him being pulled over or something...

[RC2389 0]

Maybe having a high profile person injured because he wasn't wearing a seatbelt will convince more people to wear one.

Corzine may not have been buckled up

CAMDEN, N.J. - Gov. Jon S. Corzine was apparently riding without a seat belt, in violation of state law, when he was critically injured in the crash of his official vehicle, a spokesman said Friday.

A state trooper was at the wheel and the governor was sitting as usual in the front passenger seat when the SUV slammed into a guard rail Thursday night, authorities said. Corzine broke a leg, his breastbone, 12 ribs and a vertebra.

Corzine, 60, was sedated and on a breathing tube, and a doctor who helped treat him said the governor was fortunate he was not more seriously hurt.

"There's no way to tell specifically how close he came to more severe injuries, but based on pictures I've seen of the crash, I think he's lucky," said Dr. Steven E. Ross, trauma chief at Cooper University Hospital.

Ross said Corzine was stable and improving, and could be removed from a ventilator within the next few days. But a spokesman said it is unclear how long it will take before the governor is well enough to return to work.

Dr. Robert Ostrum, who performed two hours of surgery on the governor Thursday night, said a rod was inserted in Corzine's leg, and additional operations were scheduled for Saturday and Monday.

State police were looking for the driver of a pickup truck they believe caused the crash and fled. That driver could be charged with careless driving and leaving the scene of an accident. The governor himself could face a citation.

New Jersey law requires all front-seat occupants of a vehicle to wear a seat belt. Violators face a $46 fine.

Corzine chief of staff Tom Shea said he did not believe the governor had been wearing his seat belt.

"If he was not, he certainly should have been," Shea said, "and we would encourage the state police to issue a citation."

Shea said Corzine usually wears his seat belt. When asked why the trooper who was driving would not have asked Corzine to put on his seat belt, Shea said the governor was "not always amenable to suggestion."

A law enforcement official close to the investigation told The Associated Press on Thursday that the governor typically does not wear his seat belt, and that his state trooper detail had not been successful in persuading him. The source spoke on condition of anonymity, citing a lack of authorization to speak on the matter.

Corzine cannot speak because of the breathing tube down his throat, and state police said they have been unable to interview him about the accident.

Senate President Richard J. Codey, a fellow Democrat, took over as acting governor. It is a familiar role for Codey, who served the last 14 months of Gov. James E. McGreevey's term after he disclosed a gay affair and resigned in 2004.

The accident happened while Corzine was en route from Atlantic City to the governor's mansion in Princeton for a meeting between the Rutgers women's basketball team and radio host Don Imus, who was fired for using a slur to describe the athletes.

State Trooper Robert Rasinski was driving the governor's Chevrolet Suburban when another vehicle, swerving to avoid a pickup truck, hit the sport utility vehicle and sent it off the Garden State Parkway, authorities said. Police following the governor in another vehicle administered first aid to Corzine and called for a helicopter.

Rasinski also was injured. His condition was not disclosed, but Codey said he was expected to be released from the hospital Friday. A governor's aide in the vehicle was not hurt, authorities said.

The speed limit was 65 mph. State police said speed was not believed to be a factor, but they had no immediate word on how fast the SUV was going. Shea said he did not know whether its air bags deployed.

Authorities searched for the driver of the red Ford F-150 pickup truck blamed for the wreck, checking video cameras mounted at toll plazas along the highway. The motorist had been driving erratically just before the crash, state police said.

The accident marks the third straight time a New Jersey governor has broken a leg while in office. McGreevey broke his leg in 2002 during a nighttime walk on the beach, and Christie Whitman broke her leg while skiing in the Swiss Alps in 1999.

[nycemt728 49]

Is he transported around by the State Troopers, like in NY???

I don't know if this is how every state does it...I know that in S. Carolina he travels in his own vehicle.  When I was down there last time there was a story about him being pulled over or something...

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Yes he is transported by State Troopers. Whether the car is the govenor's or the states is unclear, my guess is it's the states. The trooper who was driving was also tx'd to Cooper in less serious condition than the gov. I agree, I hope the high profile nature of the accident will help promote seat belt use.

[Oswegowind 17]

That is an interesting article...any bets on whether they site him or not. Also, I think that the NJ governors are taking the whole "go out there and break a leg" thing way to seriously.

Hopefully they adopt a proactive "click it or ticket" campaign in light of this. And hopefully he comes out of this a learned man!

[NJMedic 96]

Yes he is transported by State Troopers. Whether the car is the govenor's or the states is unclear, my guess is it's the states.

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This was the Govenor's NJSP Detail a couple of weeks ago.

[Guest alsfirefighter]

Should have worn your seatbelt a$$hole. You would have made the meeting between Rutgers and Imus.

Wishes for a speedy recovery Mr. Governor. And I hope you use your experience to promote the importance of seatbelts and how serious you were injured compared to everyone else whom had them on and not just for political brownie points.

[Monty 35]

I read n the paper that the two other occupants were apparently wearing seatbelts and both are out of the hospital. Hopefully this will make some people think twice about not buckling up, both in and out of the emergency service.

I wonder whether Spitzer, Pataki, Schumer, Clinton wear seat belts, or if they feel they are above the state law? In the newspaper it mentioned that Cumo started wearing them after he signed the law for NY.

I certainly hope the Governor recovers fully, and becomes an advocate of seat belts.

[Guest]

I hate to admit it, but many cops dont wear their seatbelts. Its hard to pin the blame on the trooper because he certainly isnt going to scold a major public official, not to mention a grown man....

[nycemt728 49]

According to the reports, the troopers have constantly begged him to wear the seat belt, to no avail. Unfortuately, while it is law, apparently the law does not give them the power to force the govenor to wear it.

If I were in government, I would say to all politicians and govenors you don't want to wear your seatbelt, fine but two things: 1. Say good-bye to your escort, car and driver, you want to take risks, the state should not have to pay for it! 2. Your NOT above the law, so your subject to ticketing (it's not there for sh*ts and giggles its there to protect you)

This accident illustrates the need for seatbelts beautifully: Everyone always says I don't need to wear it, I/he/she is a good driver. Well yes that is the case. Trooper Rasinksi obviously did a commendable job in the face of circumstances not under his control. He is probably an excellent driver (hence his position) but it still didn't prevent the crash or the govenor's injuries. Someone else's stupid actions are to blame. Even the best drivers can't totally account for bad drivers.

Ok all, stay stafe and buckle up, even in ambulances!!!!

Edited April 14, 2007 by nycemt728

[E106MKFD 56]

I was wondering do many fire, ems, and police departments have stickers in their vehicles on putting on your seat belt. I know Con Ed has one in their vehicles that says "Don't be caught dead sitting on your seatbelt." I was also wondering besides it being a law is it mandatory in your department?

Edited April 14, 2007 by E106MKFD

[Guest alsfirefighter]

LOL. Some of you are right they are not "above the law," however find one person whom is going to write their boss a ticket....lol. Go ahead...and you'll be sitting in some toll booth or chemical factory.

[Oswegowind 17]

Another cool thing about ConEd is that they participated in the buckleup initiative and even placed stickers on the rear end of most of their vehicles reminding people to do so.

Hopefully they are ready for today!

[biglew 3]

I believe most dignitaries like Senators, Mayors and Governors usually ride in the back of the vehicle, therefore they would not be required to buckle up.

The Governors unwillingness to use a seatbelt after numerous "suggestions" just suggest he is not a clear thinker when it comes to vehicle safety. I believe he should be cited for not wearing a seatbelt.

Why he was in the front seat is unusual to say the least. I have seen Guilani, Koch, Clinton, Pataki all get into the rear of SUV's. There are also usually two cops in front. Maybe he lights to look at the radios and light switches (Just Kidding). Had he been ejected from the vehicle because he wasnt buckled up, holy s---.

Most troopers wear seatbelts, they are driving at highway speeds. I know city cops dont all buckle up, and I know they are in slower traffic, but I dont think there is an exemption on the law for them either. Please correct me if I am wrong. There is an exemption for troopers to be on the phone while driving ( in Ct ) at least, though most now use a bluetooth because it will appear to the public like they can do something that is against the law now, not sure about NY.

The Jersey trooper was in a tough spot, because if he refuses to drive the governor if he's not buckled up, he probably would be counting pencils until he retires.

[firecapt32 282]

Heres a new twist to the story--not only not waring a seat belt ready for this---speeding with lights and sirens on.... headed to the meeting with the basketball team.

Red pickup moved to the side ran inot sofrt dirt moved back on to the pavment.

NJSP Gov vehicle speeding go fiigure

Wishing all a speedy recovery

[27east 19]

I read that a spokesman for Corzine said the he expects State Police to issue a summons. He'll get written and they will make a big show of it. Just watch.

NJ Politics.

[E106MKFD 56]

I feel that government leaders shouldn't have lights and sirens just escorts. Who cares if their going to something important or if they are important. It should only be emergency responders with lights and sirens. Does anyone else agree?

[Oswegowind 17]

Lights and sirens = emergency!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A meeting with an idiot and a basketball team over an old incident is no emergency!

NJSP should review this incident and come up with better protocol and procedure about movie around the governor. If you are that late why not use a helicopter???????? Then you won't put everyone elses life in danger by speeding to a non emergency with lights and siren...lucky no one died that was in their way!

[E106MKFD 56]

Lights and sirens = emergency!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A meeting with an idiot and a basketball team over an old incident is no emergency!

I agree! I forget when but somebody in government recently crashed in an intersection with lights and sirens. The accident wasn't bad but it was his fault and he was only going to a meeting not a structure fire, bank robbery, or a person having a heart attack! They feel that since their government they should have lights and sirens and everyone should clear a path for them. Not right!

[Billy 68]

You know, what's the use of having a police escort if they can't properly protect the dignitaries car? I know this was kind of a freak accident and these kind of incidents are pretty rare. But, this was the Governor of a major State driving on a heavily traveled roadway. I think the police need to examine how they execute these escorts so the "protectee" is better protected. What if someone had planned this on purpose? Seems like it would be pretty easy to pull off.

[E106MKFD 56]

There were too many factors involved. He should have had his seatbelt on and they shouldn't have been speeding. They should travel the way all other motorists travel and that should be end of story!

[nycemt728 49]

Corzine Vehicle Going 90 MPH

This can't have been helpful! No one, govenor or not should be going this fast! If CEVO teaches us that 90 mph is unsafe for an ambulance normally AND w/ lights and sirens carrying a critical patient, why is it safe for a politician going to a meeting??? This whole tragic incident reeks of one reckless decions after another! I don't think anything will change, but I seriously think it is time for the government and police agencies to re-think the way politicians and dignitaries are transproted. A few months back LI County Exec Tom Suozzi's SUV was also involved in an acciedent using lights and sires b/c he was late for a meeting. Think back to all the big no-no's of CEVO: Using lights and sirens frivously (b/c they make the public immune), traveling in convoys, going at high rates of speed. Its not good enough for EMS and fire, why politicians??

[E106MKFD 56]

I think its really wrong and its abusing the rights, useses, and privliges of having lights and sirens. The only reason they use lights and sirens is to move people to the side of the road to get places faster. If someone put all these incidents and circumstances together maybe people would see past the accident and would see why there was an accident and how it could be prevented.

[Guest]

Police: Corzine's Car Speeding at 91 MPH

TRENTON, N.J. (AP)  -- The superintendent of the state police says Gov. Jon S. Corzine's SUV was traveling at approximately 91 mph seconds before it crashed into a guardrail on the Garden State Parkway, critically injuring the governor last week.

 

The speed limit along that stretch of the parkway in Galloway Township is 65 mph.

 

The state trooper-driven SUV carrying the governor from Atlantic City to Princeton Thursday evening was in the left lane with its emergency lights flashing when another vehicle tried to get out of its way. Instead, it set off a chain reaction that resulted in an accident leaving the governor with life-threatening injuries.

 

The state police released the first official account of the ongoing investigation Tuesday.

www.wcbs880.com

Between not wearing a seatbelt and going 90 MPH Code 3 for no reason, it looks like they were asking for a serious accident. Completely avoidable situation.

[trauma74 111]

In NYS, the Vehicle & Traffic Law (not sure of the exact section) exempts the occupants of emergency vehicles and taxi cabs from wearing seatbelts. I have read this section in the past. Sure, it is not a good idea to not wear a seat belt, but the law states that you do not have to wear it.

No matter how wrong it is for government officials to be driven around in vehicles going Code 3, it is not going to change. It has been done for so long and it will not change.

Edited April 18, 2007 by trauma74

[lisnak 0]

Doing 91 MPH