UPDATE ON NTSB INVESTIGATION OF FATAL HIGHWAY CRASH IN LINDEN, NEW JERSEY

Washington, D.C. -- The National Transportation Safety Board today released the following updated information on its investigation of a fatal highway crash that occurred on May 1, 2003 in Linden, New Jersey. The accident occurred at 2:11 a.m. when a Mercedes crossed an 11.5-foot wide median on U.S. Route 1 and struck an oncoming Ford Taurus. The driver of the Mercedes and all five of the occupants of the Ford were killed in the crash.

Occupant Restraints:
* The driver of the Mercedes was unrestrained at the time of the crash.

* The driver and front seat passenger of the Ford were restrained. The rear seat occupants of the Ford were unrestrained.

Toxicology Results:
* Toxicology results indicate that the driver of the Mercedes had a blood alcohol level of .326. Test results on the driver of the Ford are pending.

On-going Investigative Activities:
* The Safety Board will be downloading information from the Mercedes airbag module to assist in determining an impact speed.

* The Safety Board will be examining the steering gear box that was removed from the Mercedes to determine the steering wheel position at the time of the accident.

* The investigation of roadway factors has been expanded to include a section of Rt. 1/9 in the city of Rahway.

Media Contact: Lauren Peduzzi, (202) 314-6100