SLH Man Hit by Taxi in Critical Condition
Police do not suspect taxi driver was under influence or speeding
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A Spring Lake Heights man struck by a taxi early Sunday morning is hospitalized in critical condition, authorities said.
Douglas Walter Crimi, 55, was struck 2:30 a.m. by a 2003 Chevy van registered and owned by Squan Transportation taxi company, according to Spring Lake Heights police.
Crimi as of 8 p.m. Sunday was listed in critical condition in the Trauma ICU at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, police said.
The driver of the taxi, Paul Salgado, 51, of Manasquan, voluntarily provided blood samples to state police for testing for drugs and alcohol, a routine practice during accidents in which serious injury is involved, police said.
"Although the investigation is continuing it does not appear that alcohol, drugs or speed played a role," according to a release from police.
The taxi had two passengers at the time of the accident. None were injuried.
Spring Lake Heights Detective Michael Matunas and the Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART) are continuing the investigation.
According to the county prosecutor's website, "SCART is a team of highly-trained collision reconstruction specialists drawn from police departments throughout Monmouth County. It is supervised by several police chiefs. This regionalized investigative team analyzes traffic collisions utilizing state-of-the-art sophisticated equipment."
Patience
10:43 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Time for all the taxicabs in Spring Lake and Spring Lake Heights to slow down. Many times I have witnessed them exceeding the speed limit through the streets late at night. Although the article does not state if the victim was tested for drugs or alcohol, perhaps that was a factor in this case. Despite that, as far as I know, the speed limit in most of Spring Lake and Spring Lake Heights is 25mph... and after dark, drivers should be more aware of pedestrians and bicyclists.
jerry moore
8:03 am on Friday, September 14, 2012
If you read the article Police said speed did not seem to be a factor here. With that said, of course all drivers should observe the speed limits & be extra cautious.
I happen to personally know this particular driver, he is a family man & a very good person. I know he feels just awful about this & like us all he is praying for this man's speedy recovery.
Linda Pal
2:10 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
I just learned that the same cab company was involved in another crash - hitting a bicyclist last month. I would like to know how this company screens for drivers. At this pace -only wonder what next month will bring?
jerry moore
8:10 am on Friday, September 14, 2012
Linda Pal you need to get your facts straight, I am part of the Taxi community locally & the company involved in the bicyclist crash last month was indeed a differant company.
You also made a big assumption that either accident was indeed the driver's fault.
Driving around at night in the shore area is not an easy task, I have many times barely missed hitting a Bicyclist, Skateboarder, or pedestrian, usually because they are wearing dark clothing, doing something erratic or stupid & possibly intoxicated, happens all of the time.