Police: Florida Motorist Accidentally Jumped Drawbridge
PALM BEACH, Fla., June 30 (UPI) — Cameras mounted on a Florida drawbridge captured the moment a distracted driver jumped the gap as the bridge was rising.
The Palm Beach Police Department said James Montano, 29, became an unwitting daredevil when he blew through a lowering arm on the Flagler Memorial Bridge and drove up the rising bridge to jump the gap and stop on the other side.
“Basically it was a distracted driver incident,” Officer Philip Salm told WPTV.
“The driver stated that he was looking at his GPS unit while driving across the bridge and did not see the stop arm in the down position until he crashed through it,” Capt. Curtis Krauel told The Palm Beach Post. “He did not show any visible indicators of impairment.”
Salm said lucky timing allowed Montano to make it over the gap and survive the accidental stunt.
“The implications of what could have happened, had he hit at a different time or he hit the ramp and went over the side, you’re talking about a potentially fatal accident,” Salm said.
Montano was cited for reckless driving. He and a passenger were treated for minor injuries, police said.
The bridge was closed for about five hours while crews worked to repair damage.
Like us on Facebook for more stories from GephardtDaily.com
You May Also Like
|
|
|
|
