A Fitzwilliam man was charged with reckless driving after a two-car crash on Route 119 in Rindge Monday morning.
At about 11 a.m. on Monday, Richard Seppala, 47, of Fitzwilliam, was driving east on Route 119 in a 2001 Toyota Camry, with two vehicles traveling in front of him, according to Rindge Police Chief Rachel Malynowski. The lead vehicle began to slow in anticipation of turning onto Cromwell Drive. Seppala, who according to police admitted he was distracted, was unable to stop in time to avoid a collision with the vehicle ahead of him, and in an attempt to avoid the car, swerved into the westbound lane and oncoming traffic.
Jennifer Fields, 56, of Merrimack, was driving westbound in a 2012 Suburu Legacy, and saw Seppala’s vehicle swerve into her lane. Fields attempted to swerve toward the breakdown lane and avoid the crash, but the rear of Seppala’s vehicle struck the driver’s front side of Fields’ car, police said.
The crash caused extensive damage to the driver’s side of Fields’s vehicle, including the doors. Fields sustained minor injuries to her left side, but declined medical treatment at the scene. Seppala was uninjured.
Malynowski said Seppala reported to police that he had been blowing his nose at the time of the crash and was distracted. Based on witness statements that alleged Seppala had been seen operating erratically since at least the Fitzwilliam town line, police charged Seppala with reckless driving. He was issued a court date of June 30 in the 8th Circuit Court, Jaffrey.
Both vehicles were towed from the scene. Route 119 was reduced to a single lane of traffic until the vehicles were removed.
Fitzwilliam Ambulance, Jaffrey-Rindge Memorial Ambulance, and Rindge Fire and Rescue assisted at the scene.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172, Ext. 244, or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.